
HISTORY 

of the 

Kansas State Council 
of Defense 




Edited by 
FRANK W. BLACKMAR 



IMilMIEl) V.X KANSAS STATE PRINTINO 1>I,AN 1' 
E. E. KELLKY. ACTINr; SxATK PHINI'KK . 
TOI'EKA, KAN. 1931 

.S-54.S7 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



Kansas State 
Council of Defense 




EDITED BY 

FRANK W. BLACKMAR 



December, 1920 



PEINTED BY KANSAS STATE PRINTING PI/ANT 

E. E. KEIiliET, ACTING State Pkinteu 

TOPEKA, KAKT. 19 21 

8-5487 



11 ^^ ' 



»)»llil . ><il ^ M» < M» t lll| — 



"" UMASV OF eONSRESS 

N0V25T921 



PREFACE. 



It is a very difficult matter to recount all of the activities and services 
of the Kansas State Council of Defense. It was so busy in trying to 
make world history that it failed to take note of its own records, so that 
when the Council of Defense closed its work in December, 1918, although 
a vast deal of work had been done, many things had been begun which 
were stopped in their midst on account of the sudden closing of the war. 
As soon as possible people dropped warlike pursuits and devoted them- 
selves to the work of peace. This left the records of the work of many 
committees, and especially of the counties, in considerable confusion. 

The editor of this report, which attempts to give a portrayal of the 
organization and activities of the State Council of Defense, has found 
great difficulty in collecting the facts regarding the work actually done. 
In some counties, for instance, where they did persistent and vigorous 
work careful records were not kept, while in others where not any more 
work was done everything was carefully recorded. The same is true of 
the general committees; some of those who were most active did not have 
elaborate reports, while others reported everything in full. Under such 
circumstances it has been very difficult to obtain a complete record of 
service and to give proportionate space to the work of the counties and 
to the general committees. Some of the committee reports necessarily 
had to be abbreviated to keep them from being out of proportion, and 
others were necessarily brief; otherwise the volume would be extended 
to great length. 

The editor is very grateful to those who assisted him in furnishing 
information and records of the transactions of the county organizations 
and of the state committees. If in the analysis of material an apparent 
injustice has been done to certain groups of people and certain localities, 
it has been entirely unintentional; the editor has done the best he could 
under the circumstances. It must be kept in mind that it was difficult 
to get the cooperation of people in certain sections of the state in furnish- 
ing material. 

No such organization had ever been established in the state before, 
because no such need had ever occurred, and the shifting scenes of war 
gave constant changes in organization and activities of the Council of 
Defense, although its purpose, that of support of the war in general, and 
the boys at the front in particular, was never lost sight of. Every 
individual member of the Kansas Council of Defense held himself in 
readiness to do everything in his power to forward the movement, and 
there was complete unanimity of purpose, perfect cooperation and abso- 
lute consecration to the cause by every member of the Council. 

It is a pleasure 'to record this, and an equal pleasure to write of the 
untiring efforts of Governor Arthur Capper and President Henry J. 
Waters, as well as members of the many committees who spent their en- 
tire time and energy freely for the great purpose of the Council in the 



4 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

support of the war. Not in the history of the state, and I am inclined to 
think in the history of any other state, was shown greater zeal or more 
faithful cooperation of a distinguished body of citizens working for the 
common good without any compensation. The small expense attached to 
the' Council of Defense compared with the amount of work it accomplished 
is a most commendable phase of the services of the men and women of 
the state over a period of nearly two years. 

This could not have been accomplished without the hearty cooperation 
of the State Board of Agriculture, the State Agricultural College at 
Manhattan, the University of Kansas at Lawrence, the State Board of 
Health, women's clubs, and other organizations. 

It is important to note that the State Council of Defense received the 
hearty cooperation of the Woman's Committee of the State Council, which 
was organized under the Council of National Defense, and of various 
other national organizations. 

The editor hopes that this report will be a worthy chapter in the his- 
tory of the state and an inspiration to people in the future should any 
similar service be required of her people to defend their citizenship. 

F. W. B. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Preface 3 

List of Officers 8 

List of Members 8 

List of Standing Committees 9 

Kansas in the Great War, Ex-Governor Arthur Capper 13 

An Over-Seas View of Kansas in the War, Governor H. J. Allen 15 

The Work of the Kansas Council of Defense, H. J. Waters 17 

Organization of the State Council of Defense, F. W. Blackmar 20 

Summary of the Work on Agricultural Production, W. M. Jardine 36 

Reports of Sub-Committees on Agricultural Production: 

Fruit, 0. F. Whitney ." 49 

Gardening and Canning, Edward C. Johnson 48 

Horse and Machine Power, J. C. Mohler 52 

Insects, George Dean and S. J. Hunter 50 

General Report of State Board of Agriculture 53 

Committee on County and Community Organization, Edward C. 

Johnson and Walter Burr 55 

Committee on Highways Transport, W. C. Markham 60 

Committee on Labor, A. J. Johnson 62 

Committee on Legislation, L. H. Wulfekuhler 63 

Committee on Mineral Resources, Robert A. Gray 62 

Committee on Public Defense, Frank W. Blackmar 64 

State Committee of Research 66 

Legal Advisory Committee of State and Counties, Frank W. Blackmar . . 66 

Committee on Publicity, Frank P. MacLennan 68 

Committee on Public Relations, Frank Strong 68 

Committee on Priority, H. J. Waters 74 

Committee on Social Hygiene. S. J. Crumbine 76 

Committee on Speakers' Bureau, Walter Burr 78 

Committee on Seed Wheat, L. H. Wulfekuhler 86 

Committee on Utilization and Economy, Mrs. Mary Belleville-Brown. . 89 
County Activities: 

Allen County 91 

Anderson County 91 

Atchison County 91 

Barber County 91 

Barton County 92 

Bourbon County 92 

Brown County . 93 

Butler County 93 

Chase County . . . .' 93 

Chatauqua County 94 

Cherokee County 95 

Cheyenne County 95 

Clark County 95 

Clay County 95 

(5) • 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Cloud County 95 

Coffey County 95 

Comanche County 95 

Cowley County 96 

Crawford County 96 

Decatur County 97 

Dickinson County 98 

Doniphan County 98 

Douglas County 98 

Edwards County 99 

Elk County 99 

Ellis County 100 

Ellsworth County 100 

Finney County 100 

Ford County 101 

Franklin County 101 

Geary County 101 

Gove County 101 

Graham County 101 

Grant County 101 

Gray County 101 

Greeley County 103 

Greenwood County 103 

Hamilton County 104 

Harper County 104 

Harvey County 104 

Haskell County 104 

Hodgeman County '. . 104 

Jackson County 104 

Jefferson County 104 

Jewell County 104 

Johnson County 105 

Kearny County 105 

Kingman County 105 

Kiowa County 105 

Labette County 105 

Lane County 105 

Leavenworth County 105 

Lincoln County 106 

Linn County 108 

Logan County 108 

Lyon County 108 

Marion County 110 

Marshall County 109 

McPherson County 109 

Meade County 109 

Miami County 109 

Mitchell County 109 

Montgomery County 110 

Morris County 1 10 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 7 

Morton County HO 

Nemaha County ." HO 

Neosho County , HO 

Ness County HI 

Norton County H4 

Osage County H5 

Osborne County H5 

Ottawa County H6 

Pawnee County H'^ 

Phillips County H7 

Pottawatomie County 117 

Pratt County H7 

Rawlins County 118 

Reno County 118 

Republic County 119 

Rice County 119 

Riley County "... , , H9 

Rooks County 119 

Rush County 124 

Russell County 125 

Saline County , 127 

Scott County : 127 

Sedgwick County 127 

Seward County 128 

Shawnee County 128 

Sheridan County 128 

Sherman County 128 

Smith County 129 

Stafford County 129 

Stanton County 129 

Stevens County 129 

Sumner County 129 

Thomas County 129 

Trego County 129 

Wabaunsee County 130 

Wallace County 130 

Washington County 130 

Wichita County 130 

Wilson County 130 

Woodson County ^ 130 

Wyandotte County 130 

Woman's Council of Defense for Kansas 131 

Food Administration for Kansas 134 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 
OFFICERS STATE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE. 



Governor Arthur Capper, Honorary President. 

April 17, 1917 — December 31, 1918. 

Governor Henry J. Allen, Honorary President. 

January 1, 1918 — - 

Henry J. Waters, President Manhattan. 

J. C. Mohler, Secretary Topeka. 

T. D. Hammatt, Assistant Secretary Topeka. 

Walter L. Payne, Treasurer Topeka. 

VICE PRESIDENTS. 

First District CoRA Wellhouse Bullard. . Tonganoxie. 

Second District Charles F. Scott lola. 

Third District E. V. Lanyon Pittsburg. 

Fourth District William Allen White.... Emporia. 

Fifth District Maurice McAuliffe Salina. 

Sixth District W. A. Lewis Hays. 

Seventh District Emerson Carey Hutchinson. 

Eighth District Henry Lassen Wichita. 

members. 

W. M. Amos Topeka. 

F. W. Blackmar Lavirrence. 

O. A. Boyle Wichita. 

W. A. Brandenburg Pittsburg. 

Mrs. May Belleville Brown Salina. 

W. E. Brown Augusta. 

Thomas W. Butcher Emporia, 

J. F. Cochrane Kansas City, 

J. N, DoLLEY ; . , Topeka, 

D. J. Fair Sterling. 

F. C. Fox Topeka. 

Charles S. Gleed Topeka. 

Robert A. Gray Weir City. 

A, H, GuFLER Emporia, 

W, M, Jardine Manhattan. 

A, J, Johnson Wichita, • 

Ed, C, Johnson Manhattan, 

Frank P, MacLennan . , , Topeka, 

Charles I. Martin Topeka, 

Clyde W, Miller Osage City, 

B, Needham Lane. 

Mrs, Noble Prentis Topeka. 

W, D, Ross Topeka, 

Mrs, Theodore Saxon Topeka. 

Frank Strong Lawrence. 

W. R. Stubbs Lawrence. 

Edwin Taylor Edwardsville. 

O, F, Whitney Topeka, 

L. H. Wulfekuhler Leavenworth. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



STANDING COMMITTEES. 

Agricultural Production. 



A. M. Jardine, Chairman, Manhattan. 
Ex-Gov. W. R. Stubbs, Lawrence. 

D. J. Pair, Sterling. 

B. Needham, Lane. 
Maurice McAuliffe, Salina. 
O. F. Whitney, Topeka. 
Edwin Taylor, Edwardsville. 



W. A. Lewis, Hays. 

Mrs. Theo. Saxon, Topeka. 

Mrs. Cora Wellhouse BuUard, Tonganoxie. 

F. D. Coburn, Topeka. 

W. J. Tod, Maple Hill. 

J. H. Mercer, Topeka. 

Francis D. Farrell, Manhattan. 



Subcommittees of the CoTnmittee on Agricultural Production. 



Field Crops, Seeds and Soils. 
C. J. Fair, Chairman, Topeka. 
L. E. Call, Secretary, Manhattan. 
W. A. Lewis, Hays. 
Charles W. Weeks, Hays. 

B. Needham, Lane. 

J. M. Gilman, Leavenworth. 
Barteldes Seed Co., Lawrence. 
Ross Bros. Seed House, Topeka. 
Hayes Seed House, Topeka. 
Mangelsdorf Bros., Atchison. 
Rule Seed House, Kansas City, Mo. 
G. E. Thompson, Manhattan. 
Harry Umbarger, Manhattan. 
H. M. Bainer, Topeka. 
W. J. Miller, Topeka. 

Live Stock. 
W. R. Stubbs, Chairman, Lawrence. 
W. A. Cochel, Secretary, Manhattan. 
W. J. Tod, Maple Hill. 
J. H. Mercer, Topeka. 
L. W,. Goss, Manhattan. 

E. C. Johnson, Manhattan. 
W. H. Murphy, Topeka. 

F. D. Coburn, Topeka. 

L. E. Hobbs, Manhattan. 

J. F. Cochrane, Kansas City, Kan. 

C. 0. Cochrane, Hays. 

J. A. Hineman, Dighton. 
John A. Edwards, Eureka. 

Potatoes and Truck Crops. 
Edwin Taylor, Chairman, Edwardsville. 
Fred Merrill, Secretary, Manhattan. 
Scott Kelsey, Topeka. 
E. B. Matthews, Hays. 
Mrs. Theo. Saxon, Topeka. 

Fruit. 
O. F. Whitney, Chairman, Topeka. 
Geo. O. Greene, Secretary, Manhattan. 
Albert Dickens, Manhattan. 
Geo. R. Groh, Wathena. 
Geo. W. Holsinger, Rosedale. 
E. G. Hoover, Wichita. 
E. E. Yaggy, Hutchinson. 
Jas. Homer Sharps, Council Grove. 



Dairying. 
O. E. Reed, Chairman, Manhattan. 
A. S. Neale, Secretary, Manhattan. 
W. R. Stubbs, Lawrence. 
Wm. Newlin, Hutchinson. 
E. E. Fitter, Sterling. 
Lewis Crouse, Hays. 

Plant Diseases. 
L. E. Melchers, Chairman, Manhattan. 
A. J. Mix, Secretary, Lawrence. 
J. D. Morrill, Manhattan. 
C. E. Thompson, Manhattan. 

Gardening and Canning. 
E. C. Johnson, Chairman, Manhattan. 
Otis E. Hall, Secretary, Manhattan. 
Mrs. Hattie Moore Mitchell, Pittsburg. 
E. B. Matthews, Hays. 
0. P. Whitney, Topeka. 
M. F. Ahearn, Manhattan. 
Miss Elizabeth Bye, Emporia. 
Mrs. J. M. Timmons, Bonner Springs. 

Poultry. 
George Beuoy, Chairman, Cedarvale. 
Ross M. Sherwood, Secretary, Manhattan. 
H. A. Perry, Seymour Packing Co., Topeka 
Thomas Owen, Topeka. 
G. D. McClaskey, Topeka. 
W. Hanna, Atchison. 
W. H. Ward, Nickerson. 

Live Stock Diseases and Control. 
J. H. Mercer, Chairman, Topeka. 
Dr. B. W. Murphy, Secretary, Topeka. 
Dr. O. O. Wolf, Ottawa. 
Dr. C. W. Hobbs, Manhattan. 
Dr. L. W. Goss, Manhattan. 
E. C. Johnson, Manhattan. 

Horse and Machine Power. 
J. C. Mohler, Chairman, Topeka. 
K. J. T. Ekblaw, Manhattan. 
W. E. Grimes, Manhattan. 
T. M. Wood, Hays. 
O. E. Wright, Topeka. 
H. Umberger, Manhattan. 



10 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



Dr. C. W. McCampbell, Manhattan. 
W. H. Sanders, Manhattan. 
F. A. Wirt, Manhattan. 
Hugh McVey, Topeka. 

Insects. 
George A. Dean, Chairman, Manhattan. 
S. J. Hunter, Secretary, Lawrence. 
O. F. Whitney, Topelca. 
J. H. Merrill, Manhattan. 
O. E. Kelley, U. S. D. A., Wellington. 



Dr. Milligan, U. S. D. A., Wichita. 
T. H. Parks, Manhattan. 
P. W. Classen, Lawrence. 

Injurious Mammals {gophers, rats, etc.). 
R. K. Nabours, Chairman, Manhattan. 
Dr. Lee R. Dice, Secretary, Manhattan. 
Dr. B. M. Allen, Lawrence. 
Dr. O. P. Dollinger, Pittsburg. 
Dr. J. E. Ackert, Manhattan. 
W. C. Tegmeier, Manhattan. 



County and Conmnunity Organization. 

Edward C. Johnson, Chairman, Manhattan. L. H. Wulfekuhler, Leavenworth. 

Maurice McAuliffe, Salina. Henry Lassen, Wichita. 

B. Needham, Lane. Mrs. Cora Wellhouse Bullard, Tonganoxie. 

W. D. Ross, Topeka. Mrs. Theo. Saxon, Topeka'. 

Dr. W. A. Lewis, Hays. Mrs. H. O. Garvey, Topeka. 

Emerson Carey, Hutchinson. 



Educational Cooperation. 



W. D. Ross, Chairman, Topeka. 
Thomas W. Butcher, Emporia. 
W. A. Brandenburg, Pittsburg. 
W. A. Lewis, Hays. 
F. J. Kelly, Lawrence. 
E. L. Holton, Manhattan. 



C. F. Scott, lola. 

0. P. Whitney, Topeka. 

Mrs. H. O. Garvey, Topeka. 

J. O. Ha'll, Hutchinson. 

Anna Crouch, Co. Supt., Alma, i 



Subcomonittee on Educational Cooperation. 

Educational Efficiency. 
E. T. Hackney, Chairman, Wellington. P. Caspar Havey, Hays. 

Kate S. Herman, Olathe. W. A. Brandenburg, Pittsburg. 

Lee Harrison, Kansas City. Charles Salser, Emporia. 

Albert Dickens, Manhattan. 

Emergency. 

Gov. Arthur Capper, Chairman, Topeka. 
H. J. Waters, Manhattan. 
Gov. W. R. Stubbs, Lawrence. 

Finance. 

Gov. Arthur Capper, Chairman, Topeka'. 



Henry Lassen, Wichita. 
Dr. W. A. Lewis, Hays. 



L. H. Wulfekuhler, Leavenworth. 
W. R. Stubbs, Lawrence. 



Emerson Carey, Hutchinson. 
Henry Lassen, Wichita. 



Financial Aid. 



Gov. Arthur Capper, Chairman. 

Topeka. 
First District, L. H. Wulfekuhler, 

Leavenworth. 
Second District, Gov. W. R. Stubbs, 

Lawrence. 
Third District, E. V. Lanyon, 

Pittsburg. 
Fourth District, Charles W. Thompson, 

Marion. 

Highways Transport. 

W. C. Markham, Chairman, Topeka. 



Fifth District, Walter E. Wilson, 

Washington. 
Sixth District, C. G. Cochrane, 

Hays. 
Seventh District, Emerson Carey, 

Hutchinson. 
Eighth District, Henry Lassen, 

Wichita. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



11 



Labor. 



A. J. Johnson, Chairman, Wichita. 

Paul McBride, Topeka. 

W. M. Amos, Topeka. 

R. L. Hopkins, Garden City. 



D. J. Fair, Sterling. 

C. D. Resler, Chanute. 

M. M. Sherman, Crawford. 



Legislation. 



L. H. Wulfekuhler, Chairman, Leavenworth. S. M. Brewster, Topeka. 
Arthur Capper, Topeka. Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, Topeka. 

Fred Voiland, Topeka. 

Manufactures. 



J. F. Cochrane, Chairman, Kansas City. 
E. V. Lanyon, Pittsburg. 
Henry Lassen, Wichita. 
John Seaton, Atchison. 
Harry Darby, Kansas City. 



J. D. Bowersock, Lawrence. 
H. J. Helmers, Leavenworth. 
H. N. Strait, Kansas City. 
A. E. Shulthie, Independence. 
J. F. Haskell, Topeka. 



Mineral Resources. 



Robert Gray, Coal, Weir City. 
W. E. Brown, Oil, Augusta. 



Emerson Carey, Salt, Hutchinson. 
F. V. Lanyon, Zinc, Pittsburg. 



Public Defense. 



Prof. P. W. Blackmar, Chairman, Lawrence. Clyde Miller, Topeka. 
Charles S. Huffman, Topeka. J. K. Codding, Lansing. 

H. A. Mendenhall, Kansas City. J. N. DoUey, Topeka. 

Sub-Committees of Covimission on Public Defense. 



Hospitals, Physicians and Surgeons. 
Charles F. Huffman, Colu^cibus. 
Dr. J. R. Everhardy, Leavenworth. 
Dr. M. T. Sudler, Rosedale. 
Dr. 0. D. Walker, Salina. 
Dr. W. W. Basham, Wichita. 
Dr. John S. Sundwall, Lawrence. 
Dr. Chas. Silverthorne, Topeka. 
Dr. Sherman L. A.xford, Dodge City. 
Dr. Henry Smith, Washington. 
Dr. George M. Gray, Kansas City, Kan. 

Home Guard. 
Jas. A. Kimball, Salina. 
John Forrest Dillon, Topeka. 
Samuel F. Woolard, Wichita. 
Col. N. R. Rahn, Topeka. 
J. K. Codding, Lansing. 
J. M. Dolley, Topeka. 
W. Y. Morgan, Hutchinson. 
C. K. Poindexter, Kansas City, Kan. 

Chemical Products. 

Prof. H. B. Dains, Chairman, University of 
Kansas, Lawrence. 

Prof. J. C. Willard, Agric. College, Man- 
hattan. 

Prof. D. L. Randall, Baker Univ., Baldwin. 

Prof. F. H. Debenkelear, Washburn Col- 
lege, Topeka. 

Prof» S. Dunlavy, Southwestern College, 
Winfield. 



Vagrancy. 
J. K. Codding, Chairman, Lansing. 
W. D. Bodenhofer,. Lawrence. 
J. N. Herr, Hutchinson. 
Mrs. J. M. Miller, Council Grove. 
Judge J. T. Ruppenthal, Russell. 
F. W. Blackmar, Lawrence. 

Central State Legal Committee. 

Judge T. F. Garver, Topeka. 
J. A. Troutman, Topeka. 
Robert Stone, Topeka. 
Jas. F. Getty, Kansas City, Kan. 
Prank Nighswonger, Wichita. 

Red Cross Work. 

Miss Conklin, Chairman, Topeka. 
John N. Vandervries, Lawrence. 
Chas. A. Dodd, Waverly. 
Miss Marguerite Koontz, Topeka. 
Miss Loula Kennedy, Manhattan. 

Recruiting for Volunteer Service. 

Hon. A. M. Keene, Chairman, Fort Scott. 
Senator R. B. Barr, Secretary, Fort Scott. 
Members of 1917 state legislature. 

American Protective League.^ 

F. W. Blackmar, Lawrence. 
Fred Voiland, Topeka. 



12 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Publicity. 

N. A. Crawford, Piihlicity Agent, Manhattan. Charles J. Dillon, Topeka. 
Frank P. MacLeniian, Chairman, Topeka. George C. Wheeler, Topeka. 
William Allen White, Emporia. J. K. Codding, Lansing. 

Henry Allen, Wichita. J. N. Dolle.v, Topeka. 

Charles F. Scott, lola. Mrs. H. O. Garvey, Topeka. 

Public Relations. 

Chancellor Frank Strong, Chairman, Supt. W. D. Ross, Topeka. 

Lawrence. Thomas W. Butcher, Emporia. 

Victor Murdock, Wichita. Sheffield Ingalls, Atchison. 

George H. Hodges, Olathe. W. A. Brandenburg, Pittsburg. 

E. W. Hoch, Marion. W. N. Mason, Baldwin City. 
Ed. T. Hackney, Wellington. 

Priority. 
Dr. H. J. Watei's, Chairman, Kansas City, George H. Hodges, Olathe. 

Kan. Henry Bennett, Topeka. 

W. C. Edwards, Wichita. 

Resolutions. 
Gov. Arthur Capper, Chairman, Topeka. Mrs. Noble Prentis, Topeka. 

W. D. Ross, Topeka. Chancellor Frank Strong, Lawrence. 

Mrs. Theo. Saxon, Topeka. O. A. Boyle, Wichita. 

Social Hygiene. 

S. J. Crumbine, Chairman, Topeka. 

Seed Wheat. 

P. W. Goebel, Chairman, Kansas City, Kan. T. D. Kennedy, Junction City. 

L. H. Wulfkuhler, Leavenworth. Henry Lassen, Wichita. 

Arthur Capper, Topeka. * Maurice McAuliffe, Salina. 

Walter E. Wilson, Topeka. H. J. Waters, Manhattan. 
T. J. Sweeney, Lawrence. 

Seed Office. 

C. V. Topping, Chairman, Wichita. G. D. Estes, Stafford. 

T. D. Hammatt, Vice Chairman. P. A. Derby, Topeka. 

Ti^ansportation. 

F. C. Fox, Chairman, Topeka. R. W. Blair, Topeka. 
Charles Gleed, Topeka. A. DeBernardi, Atchison. 
Paul Walker, Topeka. 

Utilization and Economy. 

Mrs. May Belleville Brown, Chairman, Mrs. Noble Prentis, Topeka. 

Topeka. Mrs. Mary P. VanZile, Manhattan. 

Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, Topeka. Miss Elizabeth Sprague, Lawrence. 

J. F. Cochrane, Kansas City, Kan. Miss Elizabeth Bye, Emporia. 

A. R. Gufler, Emporia. Miss Elizabeth Agnew, Hays. 

O. A. Boyle, Wichita. Miss Alba Bayles, Pittsburg. 
Dr. F. W. Blackmar, Lawrence. 



KANSAS IN THE GREAT WAR. 

Arthur Capper, War Governor of Kansas. 

Every loyal Kansan is proud of the record Kansas made in the Great 
War. He has reason to be. Kansas responded promptly to every call for 
men, for money, for food and other supplies. 

Her sons were among the first to volunteer by the thousands. The 
later thousands who swelled the ranks of the national army went cheer- 
fully, gladly, proudly, filled with the same patriotism that inspired those 
who went before. 

And while they fought and sacrificed and died in France to stay the 
aggression of Prussianism and save the world to civilization, their 
fathers, mothers, sisters and sweethearts toiled and saved and gave 
until it hurt. 

It is not the purpose of this report to try and tell what the Kansas 
boys did in France. That is history. Their deeds are immortal. They 
offered their lives for the right. They laid down their lives for their 
country. They did their duty courageously, patriotically, unfalteringly. 
Their soul is the soul of Kansas and the nation. Their sacrifice is the 
glory of mankind. Words cannot do them justice, nor monuments, nor 
memorials. We who are left can only attempt to perpetuate their ideals. 

But while her loyal sons were fighting and dying for their country, 
those who remained at home were living and working and saving for the 
same country. Kansas, as a state, was in the forefront of home activities 
that made it possible for the boys abroad to break down the morale of 
the Huns and finally crush those enemies of mankind. 

Kansas went over the top in every drive. She accoinplished what was 
declared impossible in producing foodstuffs. She furnished money and 
provisions for the boys at the front and did her share for the helpless 
victims of a world gone mad. 

Even before war was declared Kansas caught the vision of service 
that was to be required. The first state council of defense in the nation 
met in the governor's office at Topeka a month before the nation entered, 
the conflict. Kansas buckled on her armor at the next formal meeting 
on April 17 and outlined a program so comprehensive and practicable 
that it afterwards was adopted, with few modifications, in the organiza- 
tion of the National Council of Defense and served as a model for the 
organization of other state councils. 

The State Council of Defense was organized on the principle that 
every man, woman and child could and would do his and her full share 
toward winning the war. They did. What work was done, how it was 
done, and who led in the doing, is related in more detail in the reports 
of the different officers and committees in this volume. 

The spirit of self-sacrifice and loyalty that dominated the work of the 
State Council of Defense permeated the entire citizenry of Kansas. I 
came in touch with it day after day, week after week, thru the weary 
months of the war. It was evident in every city and town, in every comT 

(13) 



14 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

munity, on the lonely farms and in the depths of the mines, in every 
home, and I believe in every heart and mind and soul in the state. It 
was a period of anxiety and grief, of trouble and travail, of heartaches 
and sleepless nights, but so far as I could discover from the governor's 
chair never of despair or faltering. 

Kansas, of course, had a few slackers — not as many as other states — 
those who desired to reap the benefits but not share the responsibilities 
of the American government. There were some who tried to evade their 
duties. There were some who tried to obtain exemptions, when they 
were not entitled to exemptions. But this much must be said for the 
young men of Kansas: there were only a very few of them, comparatively, 
who tried, themselves, to get exempted from the draft. Generally it 
was a near relative, or even in some cases an employer who, for the 
moment, magnified his business until it shut off his view of the needs of 
his country, who asked exemption. Little did such employer realize that 
unless the war was won no longer would there be any business for him 
to do, except as a slave of the Hun. In respect to the draft, there is one 
point that should be preserved in history in justice to the colored race. 
There were of white men, who asked for exemption, a few; of white men, 
whose fathers or mothers or other relatives or employers who asked for 
their exemption, more than a few. But during the entire war I never 
knew of a single colored man who asked for exemption, nor for whom 
exemption was ever asked by any other colored man or woman. The 
colored people of Kansas were 100 per cent American throughout the 
entire war. 

But of slackerism and disloyalty there was not enough in this state 
to justify m^ore than passing attention. I believe every Kansas home 
followed the program laid down by the Council of Defense: 

Do the daily tasks a little more efficiently, a little more diligently, to 
make up for the missing ones in the service. 

Economize sensibly, not hysterically, on time, labor, material and food. 

Make every effort count. 

Keep physically, mentally and morally fit. 

Keep down waste. 

Keep up the spirit of service. 

On the whole Kansas lived this sort of life during the Great War. 

Our government called upon us for increased production. We were 
short of labor, short of machinery, short of seed to a certain extent. But 
the acreage of wheat was increased. Kansas farmers, their wives and 
daughters put in the greatest acreage of ci-ops ever recorded in the state. 
Then came the harvest season, with more acute shortage of labor. Women, 
school boys, school girls, all went into the fields. City and country 
merchants and business men abandoned their stores, banks, offices and 
factories to help with the harvest. The big crops were saved, and Kan- 
sas did more than her full share in feeding our own troops, our allied 
troops, and the homeless and destitude of a war-ridden continent. 

It was not only along these lines alone that Kansas took the lead. Kan- 
sas officials, Kansas men and Kansas women, led in the demand for 
clean army camps and clean camp surroundings, that our boys who were 
spared from the cruel demands of war might come back as clean and 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 15 

manly as when they went. When the war was over Kansas led in de- 
mands that the soldiers be returned with all possible speed to the fields 
and shops and their usual vocations where they were badly needed to 
help right a war-wrecked world. 

Throughout all the war-weary days I was impressed, as never before, 
with the intense loyalty of our people and their love for the flag. The 
tragedies in the trenches served to bring to the surface the patriotic 
emotions of our people to the superlative degree. Not once did they falter 
at any appeal I made as governor of the state. Their quick responses 
helped, in a large measure, to lighten my work and grief and give me a 
better understanding of their hearts. I was convinced that they were 
with me heart and soul in my efforts to have Kansas respond to every 
call our country made. Words cannot express my gratitude to the soldier 
boys of Kansas, to the good women and men of Kansas, to the school 
boys and girls, to the members of the State Council of Defense and 
kindred war organizations, and to the people generally, for the splendid 
service they rendered to the state and nation when our country's life was 
in peril. 



AN OVERSEAS VIEW. 

Henky J. Allen, Governor of Kansas. 

Kansas went to the war early and stayed late. Before the selective 
service laws had begun to operate and while men were being invited into 
the service through voluntary enlistment, Kansas early attracted atten- 
tion for the almost sensational promptness with which she filled her volun- 
teer quotas. In France I found Kansas men showing up in all of the 
regiments which arrived in 1917. They v/ere in practically every unit. 
She was also exceptionally prompt in recruiting her national guard to its 
war strength and getting this great contribution to the defense of the 
country under way. 

Kansas furnished approximately 72,000 men to the army, navy and 
marine corps during the war. The distribution of troops from Kansas 
was approxim.ately as follows: 

Regular Army and Enlisted Reserve Corps 8,000 

Navy 8,000 

National Guard 9,000 

National Army 45,500 

Marine Corps 1,000 

The distinct Kansas organizations were the 137th Infantry; the 139th 
Infanti-y; the greater share of the men in the 130th Field Artillery; the 
110th Ammunition Train; the 110th Engineers; the 110th Field Signal 
Battalion; the 110th Military Police. These were all of the 35th Di- 
vision. 

The 117th Ammunition Train of the 42nd (Rainbow) Division was an 
all-Kansas organization, as was the 353rd Infantry of the 89th Division. 
There was also the Red Cross Ambulance Company of Topeka and Fre- 
donia, and the Marine Corps Band from Holton, which was attached to 
the 6tli Marines of the 2nd Division. In addition to these distinctive 
Kansas organizations were the 805th and 806th Pioneer Infantry Regi- 
ment made up of Kansas colored men. 



16 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The Kansas organizations attracted conspicuous attention when they 
arrived in France by a certain expression of individuality which they 
bore. They all made distinguished records. 

The history of the 35th Division, which bore the severest losses in the 
opening days of the Argonne fight, has now become known, and the 
services which this devoted and unfortunately-led division performed 
are receiving a fine recognition of the just place that belonged to them 
in the opening days of America's big battles in France. 

The 353rd Infantry of the 89th Division has a history of which its 
members are justly proud. Its record was made in four great battles. 
Great things were expected of it. The division to which it was attached 
had been trained under the command of General Leonard Wood and it 
lived up to the great expectation which waited upon its services in battle. 

The 117th Ammunition train, which was the only Kansas organization 
with the Rainbow Division, received special mention in army orders on 
several occasions. It was regarded as a model in the organization of 
ammunition Grains and its men and officers brought home .a record of 
efficiency and strenuous service of which any organization in the army 
might be proud. 

In fact, all the units mentioned came out of the service with a record 
to entitle them to the gravest appreciation and deepest gratitude of the 
state. They were all worthy of the best traditions of Kansas — those that 
served in France as well as those who were preparing at training camps 
to join their comrades overseas and to whom the notice of the signing of 
the armistice came as a real disappointment. 

No record of the Kansas contribution to the war would be complete 
which did not include the very fine service of those hard-working citizens 
who labored without ceasing and with little compensation on the selective 
service boards. The problems which confronted these boards were as 
numerous as those which confronted any activity of the war, and upon 
their prompt and wise solution depended the gravest of results. 

It would be impossible to give the exact number of persons connected 
with the selective service law of this state. Two district boards of five 
members each; 115 local boards of 3 members each, 105 legal advisory 
boards of three members each, and 23 medical advisory boards with an 
average of 6 members each, were established in the state. In addition 
to these were the various chief clerks to the local boards, clerks and 
stenographers at headquarters and the various district and local boards. 
An estimate of 2,500 associate members of the Legal Advisory Boards 
with from 1 to 8 registrars to each election precinct of the state for 
each of the 3 main registrations, viz., June 5, 1917, June 5, 1918, and 
September 12, 1918. 

The humble story of the sacrifices which were made by lawyers, doctors 
and citizens in general, who gave up their usual lines of work and spent 
their time in helping under the selective service provisions to create the 
backbone of our forces may never be told. It is replete with as fine 
examples of patriotic devotion as may be found upon the field of battle. 

When one has taken into consideration the sacrifices of the soldiers 
and gives to these sacrifices the proper considerations of gratitude, there 
still remain, as the modest recipients of the country's deepest sympathy, 



History of Kafisas Council of Defense. 17 

the women of the war who united themselves, into organizations for the 
carrying forward of relief work for soldiers' families at home, for giving 
entertainment and comforts to the soldiers in the training camp and in 
the field. These organizations made up of devoted women covered every 
part of Kansas. Their representatives even reached France and joined 
in the general effort of helping to win the war. 

The more one studies the history of the contribution which Kansas 
made to the man power of the struggle, the more convinced he becomes 
that the state did its full duty and that the period was full of all the 
rich manifestations of patriotism which come always to this state and 
nation in hours of peril. 



THE WORK OF THE KANSAS COUNCIL OF DEFENSE. 

H. J. Waters, President. 

A full month before we entered the war, Kansas began marshaling her 
forces for the conflict. It is true, no soldiers were put into training camps 
or sent forward to the fighting zone, but volunteers were enlisted to pro- 
vide the food necessary to ward off hunger and famine among those with 
whom our lot had not yet been definitely cast, but with whom we 
keenly sympathized. 

While always a surplus food state, and at a time when there was 
no danger of our citizens having to go hungry, Kansas held the first food 
conference in the United States at Topeka, March 15, 1917, called by 
Governor Arthur Capper and attended by 150 of the foremost citizens of 
the state. At that conference there was outlined a program for the state 
that was later substantially adopted for the nation. For the first time 
it was pointed out at this conference that a food shortage was imminent, 
not only in the, war-torn countries of Europe, but in our own country 
as well. 

Among other things it was recommended by this conference that a 
Federal food commission be established similar in form and purpose to 
the national food administration that was later organized at Washing- 
ton, headed by Herbert Hoover; an appeal was made for better credits 
for the farmer, for larger plantings of the staple crops, for the saving 
of waste from the ravages of insects and diseases, and for the exercise 
of greater economy and common sense in the use of food and in family 
expenditures. 

A national food conference was called by the United States Secretary 
of Agriculture at St. Louis early in April for the purpose of outlining 
for all the states tasks essentially the same as those that Kansas had 
already taken up. 

The food conference in Topeka in March was in fact the beginning 
of the work of the Kansas Council of Defense. Later when a National 
Council of Defense had been organized at Washington, at the request of 
the National Council, Governor Capper called into existence formally 
the Kansas State Council of Defense, and the first regular meeting was 
held in Topeka on April 17, 1917. As a result of the operations set in 

2 — C. Def. — 5487 



18 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

motion at the food conference it was possible at this meeting to report 
definite progress along many lines, as well as to perfect the organiza- 
tion for the carrying out of a larger program. 

Within a week from the time the first regular Council met, a survey 
of all the available land in the state for the planting of spring crops 
had been completed and plans for meeting the crop emergency grow- 
ing out of the destruction of nearly half of the winter wheat in the 
state had been made. Although the extra burden of planting more than 
three and one-half million acres of spring crops had suddenly been 
thrown upon the farmers of Kansas, and at a time when their boys and 
hired men were going to war or entering munition factories, yet there 
was not a case reported of land remaining idle. 

The Kansas Council was the first organization to realize that we 
could not go through the war successfully while permitting the annual 
waste of one hundred million bushels of valuable grain in making 
whisky and beer, and at its first meeting, held within a week after war 
was declared, the Council strongly urged upon Congress the wisdom of 
adopting national prohibition as a war emergency measure. 

The Council urged upon the citizens of the state at the very outset 
the necessity of appreciating the seriousness of the war and the dan- 
gers of over-confidence that naturally inhere to a people of a state far 
removed from the scene of conflict and in the middle of a continent whose 
people have plenty to eat and more work than they can perform. One 
of the first tasks of the Council was to secure through the cooperation 
of the teachers of the state the teaching of these fundamental truths 
to the pupils in all the schools, from the lowest to the highest. 

The production campaign of the council was conducted along safe 
and sane lines. Its recommendations called for the planting only of 
crops known to be adapted to the locality and in the growing of which 
the farmers of the state had had experience. The council realized that 
it was no time in which to try experiments or to venture upon unknown 
ways. Emphasis everywhere was laid on the importance of producing 
as much of what was required for home consumption as possible to 
relieve the car shortage and to save the labor involved in unnecessary 
transportation. 

The effect of the shortage of labor was universal and the necessity 
of economizing in this respect was everywhere most pressing. Means 
were devised whereby the work might be lightened on the farm and in 
the home. Farmers who had retired were urged to go back to work. 
High-school boys were given an opportunity to devote their vacation time 
and other idle hours to the production of food. Perishable products that 
in ordinary times go to waste were conserved. 

The greatest labor emergency of the war, so far as Kansas was con- 
cerned, arose in the harvesting of the wheat crop of 1918, when Kansas 
gathered approximately seven million acres of wheat without material 
loss, although under very unusual and difficult conditions in securing 
help. It was through the organization of the Farm Labor Board, co- 
operating with the Council of Defense and the United States Depart- 
ment of Labor, that men engaged in less necessary work throughout the 



Histo7'y of Kansas Council of Defense. 19 

country were brought to Kansas in sufficient numbers to save the wheat 
and were distributed to the communities needing their services without 
waste, confusion or loss. Thus Kansas not only saved her wheat and 
helped to fill the bins for the fighters, but she showed how it is possible 
for whole communities, and even an entire state, to work unitedly for 
a common object. 

The Council of Defense cooperated with other war agents, such as the 
Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A., the Knights of Columbus, the Salvation 
Army, and helped in raising funds for the government through the sale 
of Liberty bonds and in collecting money for war work and relief. 

A committee on public defense was maintained for the purpose of 
seeking out centers of disloyalty or lack of enthusiasm over our par- 
ticipation in the war and for finding men who were evading their re- 
sponsibilities to the government. 

A committee on public relations was organized for the purpose of 
enlisting the cooperation of leading men of foreign extraction in the 
complete Americanization of all the foreign elements in the state and for 
the adoption of the English language as the common language of our 
country for the transaction of all public business. 

During the latter part of the war, when the shortage of labor and 
building material was most acute, at the request of the National Council 
of Defense and the War Industry Board, a committee on priority was 
established to pass on all questions pertaining to the sale of material 
or the employment of labor for the erection of buildings or the making 
of public improvements, with a view to discouraging these improve- 
ments except where they were absolutely essential. 

A committee on social hygiene was created, primarily for the purpose 
of protecting the morals and health of the soldiers in cantonments within 
the state, but the influence and activity of this committee extended 
beyond the soldier camps and reached into every community in the 
state through the department of social hygiene as a part of each county 
council of defense. 

As a means of publicity and propaganda, a speakers' bureau was 
maintained. Kansas stands first, I am told, among the states of the Union 
in the number of enrollments and the number of people visited through 
this department of the Council. A publicity bureau for disseminating 
information through the press was maintained. In its entire period of 
existence the Council had the fullest cooperation of the newspapers of 
the state in every phase of its work. 

The Kansas Council of Defense was one of the few state organiza- 
tions of its kind that worked through the entire period of the war 
without funds. Its members attended meetings regularly at their own 
expense for travel and subsistence. Men and women served on com- 
mittees and went about over the state helping local organizations and 
delivering addresses, not only without compensation, but at their own 
expense. 

The state departments and state institutions, such as the executive 
department, department of public instruction, the university, the agri- 
cultural college, the normal schools, branch experiment stations, and the 



20 , History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

board of agriculture, placed their facilities of trained men, scientific 
equipment, and funds for traveling almost as completely at the disposition 
of the Council of Defense throughout the period of the war as though 
these departments and institutions had been especially organized as 
emergency agents to help win the war. 

The officers of private educational institutions, ministers, teachers, 
business men, farmers, laborers, and even the school children, responded 
to the call for service and gave their time and labor without charge. 
Farmers' organizations like the Grange, farmers' unions, the Society of 
Equity, and the farm bureaus were subject to the call of the Council 
at all times for service. 

When the end of the war came the Council of Defense was ready to 
undertake the task of laying the foundation for that tremendously im- 
portant and trying period which was to follow the war, with a view 
to teaching sane and abiding patriotism and self-sacrifice when the 
stimulus of war was removed, but the people of the country, not only 
in Kansas, but everywhere, were tired of war machinery and were ready 
to undertake the return to a peace basis with their pre-war organiza- 
tions rather than those created to meet the emergencies of war. There 
remaining nothing further for the Council to do, and acting on the advice 
of Governor Henry J. Allen, it dissolved its organization and became 
a part of the history of the great struggle that had been successfully 
brought to a close. 



ORGANIZATION OF STATE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE. 

p. W. Blaokmae. 

The first food conference in the United States was called by Governor 
Capper, at Topeka, March 15, 1917. This was preliminary to the organi- 
zation of the Kansas Council of Defense. 

On April 14, 1917, Governor Arthur Capper called twenty-nine promi- 
nent Kansans to meet at his office on the following Tuesday, April 17, for 
the purpose of organizing a State Council of Defense. The following are 
the names of the twenty-nine members called : 

Dr. H. J. Waters, president Kansas State Agricultural College, Man- 
hattan. 

W. R. Stubbs, president Kansas State Livestock Association, Lawrence. 

M. McAuliffe, president Farmers' Union, Salina. 

B. Needham, grand master State Grange, Lane. 

O. F. Whitney, secretary Kansas State Horticultural Society, Topeka. 

L. H. Wulfekuhler, president Kansas Bankers' Association, Leaven- 
worth. 

Ex-Senator Edwin Taylor, truck gardener and potato grower, Edwards- 
ville. 

D. J. Fair, wheat grower, Sterling. 

Dean F. W. Blackmar, University of Kansas, Lawrence. 

Dean W. M. Jardine, Kansas State Agricultural College, Manhattan. 

Dean Edward C. Johnson, Kansas State Agricultural College, Man- 
hattan. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 21 

Dr. W. A. Lewis, president Hays State Normal School, Hays. 

Mrs. Cora Wellhouse Bullard, Tonganoxie. 

Mrs. Noble Prentis, Newton. 

Mrs. May Belleville Brown, Salina. 

Mrs. Theodore Saxon, Topeka. 

Henry Lassen, miller, Wichita. 

Charles F. Scott, newspaper publisher, lola. 

Frank P. MacLennan, newspaper publisher, Topeka. 

Emerson Carey, salt, Hutchinson. 

F. C. Fox, general manager Santa Fe Railway, Topeka. 

Charles S. Gleed, railroads, Topeka. 

William Allen White, newspaper publisher, Emporia. 

A. H. Gufler, wholesale grocer, Emporia. 

Robert A. Gray, coal. Weir City. 

E. V. Lanyon, zinc, Pittsburg. 

O. A. Boyle, commission merchant, Wichita. 

W. E. Brown, oil, Augusta. 

J. F. Cochrane, packer, Kansas City. 

The object of this meeting was to mobilize all of the resources of the 
state for the support of the war. Governor Capper stated the scope and 
purpose of the organization, as follows : 

"The Kansas State Council of Defense appointed to-day is charged 
with a responsibility graver than any that has ever faced our people — 
the providing of the sinews of war for our forces and our allies, and the 
sustenance and protection of our people at home. 

"The state Council is created upon the urgent recommendation of the 
Secretary of War, who is also chairman of the Council of National De- 
fense, and upon the further suggestion of a national conference called by 
the Secretary of Agriculture and held in St. Louis last Monday. It will 
work in close cooperation with the National Council of Defense in an 
effort to bring about the most effective coordination of activities and pro- 
cedure for the general good of the nation and the successful prosecution 
of the war. It will be charged with the safeguarding of property, the 
promotion of production, the conserving of foodstuffs, the care of depend- 
ents, and a general mobilization of the resources of Kansas in the defense 
of the country. 

"It is not easy, perhaps, for the people of prosperous Kansas to realize 
the gravity of the agricultural situation, but a world-wide shortage of 
food exists now, and the fate of our army and that of our allies depends 
upon the crop production of the next few months. The need of a maxi- 
mum production is imperative. Kansas can render no greater aid to the 
nation in the present crisis." 

Pursuant to the call of the governor the twenty-nine members met 
November 17, 1917, at 10:30, in the governor's office. The meeting was 
called to order by Governor Capper. President Henry J. Waters of Man- 
hattan was unanimously chosen temporary chairman of the meeting, and 
J. C. Mohler, temporary secretary. 

On motion the chairman appointed the following committee on organi- 
zation: Governor Arthur Capper, Topeka; Henry Lassen, Wichita; Emer- 
son Carey, Hutchinson; Ex-Governor W. R. Stubbs, Lawrence; Mrs. 
May Belleville Brown, Salina; Professor F. W. Blackmar, Lawrence; 
Mrs. Cora Wellhouse Bullard, Tonganoxie. 



22 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Governor Capper was added to the State Council and made a member 
of the committee. This committee made the following report : 

"That a committee consisting of Governor Capper, President H. J. 
Waters, W. R. Stubbs, Professor W. A. Lewis and Henry Lassen should 
proceed at once with emergency organizations in all counties wherever 
needed, and that said committee shall continue in this work until perma- 
nent defense councils shall have been affected in each county in the state. 

"That President H. J. Waters be the permanent president of the De- 
fense Council. 

"That J. C. Mohler be the secretary of the Defense Council. 

"That the president shall appoint a vice president from each congres- 
sional district. 

"That the Council be divided into the following departments: Agri- 
cultural resources, mineral resources, manufactures, labor, finance, trans- 
portation, economy, public defense, publicity. 

"These departments shall be administered by committees of not less 
than five members, to be appointed by the president. The president and 
secretary shall be members ex officio of each department. 

"That a committee on finance, consisting of Governor Capper, W. R. 
Stubbs, Emerson Carey, Henry Lassen, L. H. Wulfekuhler, shall be ap- 
pointed to look after the necessary expenses of the Council. 

"That the Defense Council urges cooperation of all existing organiza- 
tions in the state — industrial, commercial, social, economic, fraternal, 
patriotic, educational and religious — in the furtherance of its work. 

Arthur Capper, Chairman. 
Mrs. May Belleville Brown, Secretai-y." 

The committee further reported a general program for the work of the 
Council : 

Mobilization of banking interests. 

State-wide seed survey. 

Employment of college and high-school students on farms. 

Fund of $100,000 to $500,000 at disposal of commission to meet farm 
needs. 

Extra credits by banking interest. 

Utilization back yards and town lots for truck farming. 

Promotion of live-stock breeding and conservation of meat supply. 

State support for dependents of enlisted men. 

Organization home guards for protection of local property. 

Encouragement home economics. 

Prevention food speculations. 

Cooperation with Red Cross organization. 

Encouragement army and navy enlistments. 

Publicity campaign. 

Operation all industries full capacity. 

Use of all state institutions and departments in meeting food crisis. 

Extension of organization to every county in state. 

On motion the report was unanimously adopted, H. J. Waters being 
elected president, J. C. Mohler secretary, and Walter L. Payne treasurer, 
of the Kansas Council of Defense. 

One of the first standing committees appointed was an Emergency 
committee to effect the organization of a local council in every county of 
the state and to have charge of the detail work of promoting sentiment 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 23 

for increased crop acreage. This committee consisted of Governor 
Capper, Henry J. Waters, J. C. Mohler, Henry Lassen, W. A. Lewis. 

The report of this committee was adopted at the session which con- 
vened at 2:30 p. m., with Ex-Governor Stubbs presiding. 

After a general discussion of the condition of affairs in the state in 
relation to the war by a number of the members of the Council, Mr. 
Gufler was appointed to draft a resolution to be presented to the Council 
along the lines discussed. Mr. Lassen, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Lewis were 
appointed a committee regarding operations of the Board of Trade. Mrs. 
May Belleville Brown, Professor Blackmar and Mrs. Noble Prentis were 
appointed to prepare a resolution regarding the extravagant use of food- 
stuffs, and a committee consisting of President Lewis and Mr. Whitney 
was appointed to prepare a resolution regarding the increase of garden 
area. These committees were appointed after a full discussion of the 
subject. 

After President Waters resumed the chair he appointed the vice 
presidents, and committees on labor, publicity, finance, public defense, 
agricultural production, utilization and economy, emergency, mineral 
resources, transportation, and manufactures. 

The follov/ing resolutions were adopted at this meeting: 

"Resolved, By the Kansas State Council of Defense, that the Kansas 
Wholesale Grocers' Association and Kansas Retailers' Association, and the 
Kansas State Millers Association, and all kindred organizations, are urged 
to influence their customers to limit their purchases of all staple food 
products to not over thirty days' supply for each purchaser. Also to 
make it plain to everyone that while the food supply of the staple items 
is short, the situation is irritated and the values enhanced by speculative 
purchases for needs in many instances beyond the coming crop. More- 
over, purchasers should be reminded of the fact that hysterical buying 
beyond current needs simply increases the price of said goods. 

"The Kansas State Council of Defense believes that speculative future 
buying throughout the country has done much to shorten the available 
supply of staple foods and advance their prices. It is a patriotic duty to 
not increase the seriousness of the situation, but rather to lessen it by 
conservative buying only. Advancing prices will not do it. If an appeal 
to a state and national duty will not bring desired results, then limit the 
purchases. — Gufler and others. 

"Resolved, That we urge greater economy of expenditure in the house- 
hold in the purchase and use of food, clothing and household goods in 
general." — Mrs. May Belleville Brown, Mrs. Noble Prentis, Blackmar. 

"Resolved, That it be the sense of this State Council of Defense, that 
the practice of margin buying is one of the great contributory causes of 
high prices, especially in time of small movements and great demands. 
Therefore, we recommend to the Congress of the United States that op- 
tion buying and selling be prohibited by action of Congress." — Lassen, 
Taylor and Lewis. 

"Inasmuch as at least twice the usual acreage is being put into gar- 
dens this year, and there may be a surplus of garden stuffs in many 
town gardens as well as in the country, it is the sense of this Council 
that every family should be urged to conserve all surplus by canning, 
especially surplus of the standard garden crops, beets, beans, corn and 
tomatoes. 

"It is the sense of this Council also that every municipality be urged 
to employ one of its teachers throughout the summer months to super- 
vise the gardening work and the utilization of the surplus; and that co- 



24 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

operative canning clubs and community canning plants be encouraged 
and established under competent supervision, to can and conserve sur- 
plus garden products, both from country and from town. 

"It is the sense of this Council that the boys and girls of every com- 
munity are eminently capable and willing to carry this work through to a 
successful issue." — Lewis and Whitney. 

The president urged all committees to get under way and try to make 
good reports of work performed and contemplated by the time of the 
next meeting. 

On motion, the Council adjourned to meet at 10:30, April 25, 1917. 

Thus was started the organization of the Kansas State Council of De- 
fense, which continued later to expand the scope of its work and to meet 
new conditions as they were presented during the course of the war. 

On April 18 the following new members were added to the original 
Council : 

Charles I. Martin, adjutant general, Kansas National Guard, Topeka. 

W. D. Ross, state superintendent of public instruction, Topeka. 

Frank Strong, chancellor, University of Kansas, Lawrence. 

Thomas W. Butcher, president. State Normal School, Emporia. 

W. A. Brandenburg, president. State Manual Training School, Pitts- 
burg. 

A. J. Johnson, president, Federation of Labor, Wichita. 

W. M. Amos, secretary, Topeka Typographical Union, Topeka. 

Clyde W. Miller, Miller, Kansas. 

J. N. Dolley, Topeka. 

Mrs. H. O. Garvey, president, Women's Clubs, Topeka. 

The meeting set for April 25 proved to be of great value and interest. 
The greater part of the day was spent in hearing and discussing the re- 
ports of the several committees. Sub-committees were formed and some 
new committees appointed. The Committee on Agricultural Production 
reported the following sub-committees on agricultural resources: Field 
crops, Seeds and Soils; potatoes and truck crops; live stock; fruit; plant 
diseases; gardening and canning; poiiltry; live-stock diseases and con- 
trol; horse and machine power; insects; and injurious mammals. 

The chairman of the Committee on Public Defense gave a detailed 
report of work accomplished and the names of the members of its sub- 
committees on hospitals, surgeons and nurses; home guard; Red Cross 
work ; recruiting for volunteer service ; chemical products ; and vagrancy. 

Two new committees were formed — a Committee on Public Relations, 
of which Chancellor Strong, of the State University, was made chair- 
man, and a Committee on County and Community Organization, of which 
Prof. E. C. Johnson was made chairman. 

Governor Capper made a short talk, mentioning the fact that Kansas 
was to be represented at a meeting of the Federal Trades Council, which 
would take up the question of government control of prices and regula- 
tion of food production; also of the meeting of the National Council of 
Defense, at Washington, following. President Waters was to be the 
representative of the state at both of these meetings. 

Mrs. Theodore Saxon, a member of the State Council, presented a 
resolution relative to the use of grain in making intoxicating liquors. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 25 

and on motion, duly seconded, the president was instructed to appoint a 
Committee on Resolutions, to which this and other resolutions should be 
presented. In accordance with that motion, President Waters appointed 
the following members to serve as a Committee on Resolutions: Gover- 
nor Arthur Capper, W. D. Ross, Mrs. Theo. Saxon, Mrs. Noble Prentis, 
Chancellor Strong, W. A. Boyle. 

The main discussion of the afternoon was taken up with the questions 
of agricultural production, and what might be done to secure an in- 
creased acreage of corn and other products, and to secure labor for the 
coming harvest; indeed, the early part of the work of the State Council 
of Defense was directed toward the economy of food and the increase of 
agricultural production, on the theory that the best an agricultural state 
could do in the support of the war was to increase the available food 
supply. 

A further discussion of how to finance people in the extraordinary ef- 
forts to increase this agricultural expansion was followed by a resolu- 
tion presented by Senator Carey, which was regularly passed. 

"Resolved, That the chairman of the Kansas Council of Defense ap- 
point a committee of eight, one from each congressional district of the 
state, to formvilate and put into effect a plan for furnishing money at 
once to farmers needing assistance, to enable them to plant a maximum 
acreage in crops; the fund thus raised to be used in furnishing labor, 
equipment, feed and seed. Said fund to be disbursed through proper 
channels, and loaned on whatever security is available in each case; 
money eventually collected on these loans to be refunded to parties ad- 
vancing money to the committee for the purpose indicated, and should 
such collections not reimburse contributors in full, that the total amount 
collected shall be pro rated among all contributors to said fund." 

The Committee on Resolutions presented its report, as follows: 

"Be it Resolved by the Kansas State Council of Defense : 1. That as a 
war measure the use of grain and potatoes in the manufacture of intoxi- 
cating liquors should be absolutely forbidden. 

"2. That the government should assume supervision and if necessary 
control of the food supply of the country, and of all products of steel, 
iron, copper, timber, cotton, wool, and of coal, oil, leather and farm im- 
plements, to the end that by the elimination of excessive profits and of 
extravagant and wasteful methods of distribution and the prohibition 
of speculation and gambling in life's necessities a fair price may be 
insured the producer and a reasonable cost guaranteed the consumer." 

The question of finances was thoroughly discussed, the committee hav- 
ing the work in charge asking information as to the amount needed. It 
seemed to be the consensus of opinion that the Finance committee should 
have a fund of $25,000. 

One of the most notable things regarding the State Council of De- 
fense is that no money was raised directly for the support and opera- 
tions of the Council. The machinery of the Board of Agriculture, of 
the State Agricultural College and of, the State University and other 
state institutions was put into its services, thus enabling the Council to 
do its work without direct financial aid. 

While other states were appropriating hundreds of thousands of dol- 
lars for organization and aid of the home forces, Kansas was doing its 
work with no increased expenditure. 



26 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Before adjournment a discussion was brought forward by questions 
of President Waters in order to determine the trend of the work of the 
State Council of Defense, The answers of the members of the Council 
summarized and enumerated the following important things needing to be 
done at once : 

Finance the farmers who need it. 

Publicity of the necessity for work and the gravity of the situation. 

Mobilizing of seed and labor. 

Perfecting county organizations. 

County organizations and the state Council working together. 

Extra session of the state legislature. 

Don't overdo the inquiries sent to farmers; work through the county 
organizations. 

Money vdth which to provide machines, seed and horse feed. 

Enlisting the women's clubs, also working through the boys and girls 
of the schools. 

Work with the county schools. 

An executive committee, to be in almost continuous session. 

On motion, duly seconded, the next meeting of the Council was called 
for Tuesday, May 8, at 11 a. m., in the governor's office. 

The Council convened at the governor's office May 8, 1917, as ordered. 
The work of this session consisted of reports of the several committees, 
showing the progress being made along the various lines. 

While every report was worthy of mention in this report, among the 
more notable factors to be mentioned was the report of the Utilization 
and Economy committee, through Mrs. May Belleville Brown, and the 
adoption of the f ollovdng resolution : 

"Resolved, That the work of the Committee on Utilization and Econ- 
omy shall be divided into the following departments: Food, markets, 
health, dress, recreation, available energy. 

"That a woman who shall be chairman of woman's work, and not less 
than two assistants, shall be included in each county council, and that 
where county units have already been organized, this committee shall be 
added to their working force. Each county committee shall undertake a 
survey of its own county, under the direction of our department. It shall 
carry out our work in accordance with local needs, and shall distribute 
material on utilization and economy sent out under our direction. The 
committee shall work in cooperation with the "emergency food agents" 
who are to be on duty in the several counties. 

"That we ask all people, as a patriotic duty, to seek simpler standards 
of living, and to avoid ostentation and display. While American men 
are offering their lives for the perpetuation of American ideals, it is 
right that American women should order family life upon a basis of 
simplicity and dignity. 

"That we particularly urge house wives, and all whose work is the 
selection and preparation of food, to join with us in a campaign of food 
thrift. 

"That we urge students in our schools and colleges to eliminate un- 
necessary expenditures in entertainment, dress, and especially in social 
eating and drinking; not alone for the purpose of conservation, and of 
instilling habits of thrift in our young people, but as an example to the 
thousands who look to our educational institutions for ideals in thought 
and in living. 

"That as women set the social standards of the country, we ask them 
to simplify social life; that they abstain from anything showy or elab- 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 27 

orate in any affair for which they may be responsible, as unnecessary to 
social pleasure and opposed to the work of this committee. 

"That we disapprove too frequent attendance upon places of public 
amusement, and urge our people — rich and poor alike — to use self-control 
in this matter, which means conservation of money as well as of nerve 
force. 

"Demonstrate thrift in our homes and encourage thrift among our 
neighbors. Make saving rather than spending our social standing. Make 
economy fashionable lest it become obligatory." 

The reports showed that everything was being done to secure agri- 
cultural production, dissiminate information throughout the state of the 
actual condition of affairs, and the organization for defense and the 
means for increasing the labor supply. Perhaps the latter question 
occupied the center of attention during this meeting. The following 
resolution, adopted by a unanimous vote, shows the proper status of 
the labor situation: 

"It is the sense of the Kansas State Council of Defense that in view 
of the great shortage of all kinds of farm labor in the United States, 
increasing daily with the call for men to go into the army and navy, and 
in view of the fact that the feeding not only of our own army and the 
people, but of the armies and peoples of the allied nations, is the first 
necessity to win the war, we urgently recommend that each community 
rely largely on the labor available in the community itself; that each 
county organize a strong committee on labor; that a survey of all avail- 
able labor be listed and classified; that all but the most urgent public 
work as well as private improvement be discontinued during the harvest 
season; that manufacturing plants and places of business in genera] 
release as much of their labor as may be available for farm work; that 
the said committee in each county keep in communication with the State 
Department of Labor and Industry, at Topeka, so that the excess of 
labor in one locality may be readily transferred to another; that the 
services of the great army of boys and girls of the state of Kansas be 
enlisted in the production of a maximum food supply; and to this end we 
recommend that the governor be authorized to prepare and present a 
suitable badge to all young men and women certified to him by the 
county committee of labor as having rendered creditable service." 

''Resolved, That the highest patriotic duty of the young farmers of 
Kansas is to stay on the farms until the present crops are secured; that 
we also urge upon them that volunteering is no more honorable or patri- 
otic than the selective draft." 

At this meeting the state Council was put in closer connection with 
the administration at Washington by reports from Chancellor Strong on 
the organization of educational institutions for the support of the war, 
and by Senator Emerson Carey, who attended the meeting of the Federal 
Trade Commission, at Washington, where all =*ates were represented 
except two, ten or twelve governors being r resent. Questions involved 
in this meeting were the irregularities or violations of the law in various 
states in connection with high prices prevailing. Senator Carey also 
reported attending other meetings at which the Secretary of War and 
the National Council of Defense appeared. The main discussion being 
the part the United States would play in the war. He also reported the 
work done by the Advisory Council, rnade up of big business men of the 
United States, and of the work' of the railroads and the registration and 
draft boards. 



28 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Henry Lassen, of Wichita, also made a report of his impressions of 
the meeting. He declared that there was a great deal of politics being 
played in Congress, but the organization of the country was going for- 
ward at a rapid pace and the red tape usually surrounding government 
activities was rapidly being eliminated. 

President Waters gave his impressions of these meetings at Washing- 
ton, especially relative to the war situation. He emphasized the great 
part the United States was to play in feeding the people of our own 
country and those of the allies, and over and above to provide for that 
which might be sent to the bottom by U boats. He emphasized the fact 
that we must prepare as far as possible to feed ourselves and Europe, 
and provide transportation on land and sea to carry our men and avail- 
able products to the front. He mentioned the report on deficiency of 
labor, stating that in the forty-six states represented at the convention 
not one reported a surplus of labor. 

This meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the governor. This meet- 
ing gave evidence of almost a complete organization of the state, the 
mobilization of resources and the cooperation of all interests in the 
preparation for the great struggle the nation was about to enter. 

It is quite remarkable that from the 17th of April, 1917, to the 8th of 
May, 1917, or less than thirty days, the state was not only organized for 
work, but it entered earnestly and enthusiastically into the actual work 
to be performed. 

The Council met July 3, 1917, in the office of the governor. The chief 
discussion in this meeting was in trying to solve the problem of fur- 
nishing seed wheat to farmers, so that they might increase the acreage. 
After considerable discussion it was unanimously adopted. 

Governor Capper stated that it was impossible for the legislature to 
act, as the attorney-general ruled that the legislature could make no 
appropriation to furnish seed wheat to farmers. There were some 
doubts as to the correctness of this opinion, owing to precedents in 
which emergencies had been met heretofore by state action. However, 
the attorney-general's opinion was accepted, which puts on record that 
the limitations of the constitution of Kansas are such as to prevent the 
state from doing reasonable and legitimate things for a cause in which 
the whole people were involved. It was urged by some that an organiza- 
tion should be formed by which the risk could be pooled, and many would 
take the risk to provide seed wheat for farmers in order to increase the 
acreage. 

The Council, on motion of Henry Lassen, seconded by Dean Jardine, 
authorized President Waters to appoint a committee of eight, one from 
each congressional district, for the purpose of considering the questions 
of furnishing funds to the farmers for purchasing seed wheat and the 
fixing of the minimum price for the next year's drops. 

The Committee on Seed Wheat recommended that the minimum price 
of wheat be fixed by the Federal government, and the Council of Defense 
urged upon the President and Congress that the minimum price be set 
not less than $2.25 per bushel. 

The Agricultural Production committee gave a carefully prepared 
report on the available supply of seed wheat and locating the same in 
each county. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 29 

Other committees reported, notably the one on labor, part of which 
urged that the Council shall go on record demanding the same wages 
for women employees who take the places of men, whether on farms, 
in office, factory of stores, and that they should not only receive the same 
wages but as good or better working conditions as the men; and that 
no laws of this state affecting men, women and children should be ab- 
rogated, suspended or modified during this crisis. 

As a matter of fact, notwithstanding this resolution, labor laws and 
all other laws of the state were made to bend for the increased re- 
sources of labor in the support of the war. 

The following motion, presented by W. A. Lewis, and seconded by 
Mrs. Garvey, was unanimously adopted by the Council: 

"The Council of Defense asks the governor and its chairman to state 
to the young men and women of Kansas the fact that the Council believes 
in a continuation of the schools of higher learning, and every young man 
and woman who does not find it necessary to serve the state or country 
in other capacities be urged to take advantage of the schools and prepare 
for the greater work that is before them." 

Notwithstanding this resolution the schools of the country were ser- 
iously interfered with during the course of the war, and educational in- 
stitutions everywhere bent their energies in its support, frequently laying 
aside ordinary duties to satisfy the demands of the great emergency. 

The Finance committee of the Council of Defense held a meeting in 
the governor's office July 9. The proposition discussed was how to secure 
the maximum acreage of winter wheat to be planted in the fall of 1917, 
and financing and helping the farmer secure seed that he will need in 
putting in the ten million acres or more that is hoped will be sowed. 

The following persons were added to the Seed Wheat committee of the 
State Council: The president of the American National Bankers' Associ- 
ation, the president of each of the two state bankers' associations, the 
state bank commissioner, the governor of Kansas, Mr. Wulfekuhler, and 
Maurice McAuliffe, representing the Farmers' Union. Mr. Wulfekuhler 
was named as chairman of the Seed Wheat committee. 

It was the sense of the meeting that the governor should fix the price 
of wheat, guaranteeing the farmer at least $2.25 a bushel, basis 
Chicago, and that Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, the Dakotas and 
Minnesota be urged to get in touch with authorities at Washington and 
demand a good minimum price for the farmer. 

Mr. Wulfekuhler presented a plan for raising funds on a direct cash 
loan basis and crop share loan fund. The money subscribed for this 
purpose was $96,588.08. It was distributed in Gray, Finney, Haskell, 
Ford, Meade, Hodgeman, Rooks, and Trego counties. (See report on 
seed wheat fund, and also report of Committee on Agricultural Produc- 
tion.) 

The various committees of the State Council continued their work 
zealously without interruption of meetings for a considerable time. 
On January 17, 1918, the Council met again at the call of Governor Cap- 
per. It was stated that this meeting was called at the request of the 
Council of National Defense, at Washington. 



30 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The various committees gave reports on the work that had already 
been done, showing progress in every line, but in the meantime con- 
siderable confusion had arisen among the various organizations doing war 
work which centered in Washington, the various individual local com- 
mittees and the county councils of defense. 

On motion of Senator James Malone, it was ordered that a Committee 
on Organization, for the purpose of coordinating these various organi- 
zations, should be appointed. 

The meeting adjourned until January 18, at 8:30 a.m., when the 
report of this committee was read and adopted, as follows: 

"We, your Committee on Organization, beg leave to recommend that 
the present state and district organizations be maintained as now or- 
ganized; that all county organizations that are now being successfully 
operated be continued as at present, and that in counties where the 
chairman does not wish to serve or has been inactive a new chairman 
be appointed by H. J. Waters, president of the State Council of Defense. 

"We further recommend that all county organizations cooperate with 
other organizations interested in promoting war work, and be subject to 
the rules and suggestions of the district and state councils." 

The war conference was held on January 17 and 18, 1918, under the 
auspices of the State Council of Defense, in cooperation with the Council 
of National Defense. The program began with a business meeting at 
10:30, in which the Committee on Resolutions gave a report which was 
unanimously adopted. This report is given here in full because it 
expresses the status of the progress of the State Council of Defense and 
its various interests : 

RESOLUTIONS. 

"At a war conference held in the city of Topeka, January 17 and 18, 
at the call of the State Council of Defense, and attended by the chairmen 
of the county councils of defense and other leading citizens of the state, 
the following definite proposals, looking to a closer coordination of the 
war work and a stimulation of the people of the state to greater activity 
in those efforts that the civilian population may bring to the support of 
the government in the successful prosecution of the war, were made: 

"This is the first war in which the armies have not been able to live 
in great part off the country in which the war is being waged. In conse- 
quence this is primarily a war of peoples rather than of armies. Next 
in importance to the successful organization and handling of the army 
is the proper organization and conduct of the industries relating to the 
war. In the administration of the selective draft law in the first call 
too little attention was given to the selective feature, resulting in a 
disorganization, to a considerable extent, not alone of the recognized war 
industries but of the agricultural and live-stock industry, on which the 
peoples and the armies must in the last analysis depend. In the call 
soon to be made it is recommended to the war department that selections 
for military service be made with due regard to the need of expert help 
in all these industries. As a further measure of relief to the agricultural 
and live-stock situation, it is urged that a systematic effort be made to 
secure the return to the soil of men trained to that employment who are 
now resident in urban communities, to the end that every man who is 
able and experienced be employed in some productive capacity, 

"We commend the decision of Walter P. Innes, state food adminis- 
trator, to add to local price regulating committees representatives of the 
producing and consuming classes, in order that this important matter 
may not be left in the hands exclusively of men engaged in distribution. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 31 

"We encourage the eflforts being made toward stabilizing of prices for 
the benefit both of the producer and the consumer. Particularly do we 
urge the stabalizing of markets, as a stimulus to increased beef and pork 
production. To the same end, we urge the retention in the country of all 
well-bred breeding stock. 

"We commend the patriotic efforts of citizens, particularly the house- 
wives of the state, in the direction of food conservation, not alone because 
of the saving of food but also because of the habits of thrift thus de- 
veloped, and this saving can be made doubly effective by the investment 
of sums thus saved in thrift stamps and Liberty bonds. 

"We recommend the organization of home guards for the protection 
of life and property within the state, and we earnestly urge that all 
citizens give their united and enthusiastic support toward the mainte- 
nance of the Kansas Home Guards. 

"In the effort to speed up industry and bring the best efforts of all 
our citizenship to the successful prosecution of the war, the schools should 
not be overlooked. We suggest to the school authorities the advisability 
of holding school sessions six days of the week instead of five, and for a 
longer period during the day for the school children who have reached an 
age where they may have a part in industry, and the intensive training 
of the older students for useful labor, following the close of such schools 
in the spring. 

"We believe that the vast majority of our citizens of German descent 
are loyally behind the government in the war, and we appreciate the 
splendid efforts of many of them in the war work activities, but we sug- 
gest that it would contribute to a better understanding if the proceedings 
of all public meetings in every community in the state were conducted in 
the English language and if all communities in which persons of German 
birth predominate should follow the example of similar communities in 
which all teaching of German in the rural or grade schools has been 
discontinued. We urge on all county superintendents the strict enforce- 
ment of present school laws relating to this matter. 

"It is desirable that there be closer coordination between the State 
Council of Defense and the county councils, and we urge a special effort 
to bring such coordination about. We recommend to the county councils 
the card indexing of every citizen of the county on these points: (1) His 
general attitude toward the war. (2) His war activities. (3) His con- 
tributions and subscriptions to the various war funds. (4) His financial 
standing. (5) Whether or not employed in a productive occupation. 

"To the more effective development of county council activities, we 
urge the employment by all counties of county agents, for whose support 
the Federal government contributes two-thirds of the funds. And we 
suggest that no citizen should accept appointment on any war-work com- 
mittee unless willing to engage actively in the labors of that committee. 

"Finally, we urge on every citizen of the state the need of self-exami- 
nation, with a view to ascertaining whether he is doing his full duty to 
the government and to finding and performing the work he can best do 
in bringing the energies of the entire nation to the effective prosecution 
of the war." 

Thursday evening and all day Friday were devoted to a continuous 
program. The object of this war council was to connect up the work of 
the State Council of Kansas with the Council of National Defense and 
the administration at Washington. 

Among important addresses were those of Hon. Franklin K. Lane, 
Secretary of the Interior; Miss Harriet Vittum, Chicago, Women's Di- 
vision of Illinois, Sir Frederick E. Smith, attorney-general of Great 
Britain, and Dr. Thomas Nixon Carver, of Harvard University. Other 
discussions and addresses were given by members of the State Council 
of Defense. 



32 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The me.eting of February 1, 1918, was taken up with the reports of 
committees and routine work. 

The question of publicity was taken up as a means of acquainting the 
people of Kansas and the people of other states with what was being done 
in Kansas through the State Council of Defense and other agencies. 
Prof. N. A. Crawford was authorized to publish reports and bulletins 
for this purpose. 

A complete list of the Legal Advisory committee of Kansas was pre- 
sented by Dean Blackmar, of the University of Kansas. 

The Council of Defense convened again March 29, 1918, the time being 
taken up with reports of committees, notably an elaborate report of the 
state plan for education and social hygiene!. 

Governor Capper, as head of the Finance committee, recommended 
the Council proceed to borrow the sum of $10,000, and employ some one 
to serve as executive secretary who would devote his entire time to the 
work of the Council. The recommendation was adopted, and the Finance 
committee empowered to secure the loan and select a man for executive 
secretary. 

A new Committee on Educational Cooperation was appointed, consist- 
ing of the following members: W. D. Ross, Topeka; Thomas W. Butcher, 
Emporia; W. A. Brandenburg, Pittsburg; W. A. Lewis, Hays; F, J. 
Kelly, Lawrence; E. H. Holton, Manhattan; C. F. Scott, lola; O. F. 
Whitney, Topeka; Mrs. Garvey, Topeka; J. O. Hall, Hutchinson; Co, 
Supt. Anna Crouch, Alma. 

Many complete reports of committees were read, discussed and filed. 

At the next meeting, July 11, 1918, President Jardine gave a re- 
port on agricultural production, with many recommendations regard- 
ing inspection and testing of seed, distribution of poison in western 
Kansas to control grasshopper menace, the operation of the speakers' 
bureau and attendance at meetings, the work of boys' and girls' clubs, 
etc. He suggested that the Council give publicity to the wheat pro- 
gram for the coming season; the necessity of plowing land early, keep- 
ing tractors busy night and day, especially during the months of July 
and August, when the ground is hard and horses cannot stand up under 
the strain of heavy plowing; the increasing of wheat acreage in the 
western part; also urging on the extreme western Kansas farmers the 
planting of the sorghums to an increased extent; urging farmers in the 
eastern and western sections to erect or dig silos for the conservation of 
feed.- 

E. T. Hackney presented the matter of bringing to the attention of 
the voters the two amendments proposed to the constitution of the state 
which were to be voted on at the general election, and offered the fol- 
lowing resolution: 

"Whereas, The legislature of Kansas of 1917, realizing the sacred- 
ness of the ballot, directed the submission to the voters of Kansas at the 
general election to be held November 5 of a proposal to limit the fran- 
chise to those persons who had taken out their final papers and become 
full citizens of this country and renounced their allegiance to kings and 
potentates of other countries; and 

"Whereas, The legislature of the state of Kansas of 1917, realizing 
the need of a more scientific manner of supporting the state schools, and 



History of Kafisas Council of Defense. 33 

that money raised for education should be held sacred for education, and 
that the state was being seriously hampered in the administration of her 
educational institutions by the lack of a permanent income, directed the 
submission to the voters of the state of Kansas of an amendment per- 
mitting the legislature to establish a definite, permanent income for the 
schools that would make possible the planning of the affairs of these 
schools in advance; and 

"Whereas, The war conditions have made both of these amendments 
especially timely: therefore, be it 

"Resolved By the Council of Defense, that it does hereby fully in- 
dorse both of said amendments, and does hereby ask the people of the 
state of Kansas to vote for said amendments as war measures." 

At this meeting there were created two sub-committees of the Com- 
mittee on Education, one to be known as the Committee on Education 
Cooperation, and the other Educational Efficiency, 

Fred H. Voiland was appointed state director, to work in the interests 
of the various organizations in connection with the State Council of De- 
fense through the various counties of the state. Director Voiland made 
a report of the activities of the office of the council director during the 
months in which he had been connected with it mentioning especially 
work in connection with taking care of and planting and harvesting of 
crops for soldiers and sailors already in the service; investigation of the 
character and record of alien enemies; assistance to aliens seeking 
American naturalization papers; investigation of loyalty of applicants 
for Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. service; investigation of slackerism and 
disloyalty; assistance in fire prevention; urging Liberty loan activities; 
etc. Twenty-one counties have been visited and organizations perfected, 
thirty-eight counties using slacker cards and listing all war contribu- 
tions, and help having been given in the plan to secure Federal aid for 
western Kansas farmers. He stated that between $600 and $700 had 
been spent thus far. 

Mr. Voiland presented a plan to work for the Americanization of 
aliens in Kansas, and suggested that a committee be appointed, com- 
posed of foreign-born American citizens, who could conduct a campaign 
along that line. After considerable discussion, on motion, duly sec- 
onded, the Council expressed its approval of the plan and referred the 
matter to the Committee on Public Relations, with power to create a 
sub-committee to carry on the work when approved by that committee. 

Important reports were given by Walter Burr, for the Committee on 
County and Community Organization, and Edward C. Johnson, for the 
Speakers' Bureau. Many other important reports were given and sev- 
eral resolutions passed. 

President Waters appointed the following persons as members of the 
Legislative Committee: L. H. Wulfekuhler, Arthur Capper, Fred Voiland, 
S. M. Brewster, and Mrs. D. W. Mulvane. 

A meeting of the State Council of Defense was held August 10, 1918, 
in the governor's office. It was called for the special purpose of con- 
sidering the seed-wheat situation and a working plan for the seed-wheat 
loan. The discussion occurred under the report of the Committee on 
Agricultural Production. An emphasis was placed on the plan to urge 
the better preparation of ground for seeding and to increase the acreage. 

3 — C. Def.-«5487 



34 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

It was urged by the meeting that the guaranteed price of wheat for 1919 
should be ten per cent over the price set for 1918. 

A telegram was sent to Charles E, Lobdell, of the Federal Farm Loan 
Board, at Washington, and Secretary D. F. Houston, of the United 
States Department of Agriculture, asking that the Federal Land Bank 
of Wichita be permitted to have an enlarged deposit for redistribution in 
banks for the purpose of aiding the purchase of seed wheat. This led 
to several other communications urging the plan for Federal aid in 
furnishing loans for farmers through the banks. 

A lengthy resolution was introduced by E. E. Frizell, which was 
unanimously adopted by the Council. The resolution was an expression 
of appreciation of the work of farm bureaus and county farm agents. 
Another resolution was introduced by E. C. Johnson, asking that the 
Council of Defense and other organizations and agencies continue efforts 
to increase the number of silos in Kansas as & conservation of stock feed. 

The next meeting of the State Council of Defense was held December 
14, 1918, in the governor's office. Since the last meeting the armistice 
had been signed and the war ended. This fact brought before the State 
Council of Defense two main propositions, as to how far its work should 
be continued, and if it was to be closed in what manner it could be closed 
up. After full discussion as to whether the Council should be continued, 
a motion by J. N. Dolley, seconded by Mrs. Garvey, expressed the opinion 
of the members that the Council should continue its work. 

After a discussion of the problem of- labor supply and the placing of 
returned soldiers in the industries where they would be of greatest serv- 
ice, a motion by J. N. Dolley, seconded by Governor Capper, was carried 
unanimously that the president was to appoint a committee of eleven, the 
president to be chairman, to outline the future work of the Council and 
to recommend such reorganization of it as may in their judgment be better 
for the work, with the understanding that the report of the committee be 
submitted to a future meeting of the Council. President Waters ap- 
pointed the following as this committee: H. J." Waters, J. C. Mohler, B. 
Needham, E. E. Frizell, W. M. Jardine, Frank Strong, Mrs. H. O. Garvey, 
Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, W. M. Amos, Henry Lassen, J. N. Dolley. 

Attorney-general Hawkes presented an oral statement of his idea of a 
law which should be enacted creating the Council and the carrying on of 
the work. This committee was asked to submit its report before a 
meeting of the legislature in its session of 1919. 

The following resolution, introduced by Mrs. H. O. Garvey, was 
adopted, after which the meeting adjourned: 

"Resolved, That this, the first session of the Kansas State Council of 
Defense since the armistice, we voice the sentiments of this state in an 
expression of gratitude and pride in the achievements of our soldiers who 
have immortalized our state and nation in their sacrifices and their suc- 
cessful efforts on behalf of world-wide justice and humanity in the great- 
est of all world conflicts and perils to civilization." 

The final meeting of the Council of Defense was held on January 13, 
1919. The meeting was called to order by President Waters, who stated 
that its purpose was to consider the report of the Commitee on Organiza- 
tion and the future plan of work of the Council. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 35 

The first question before the body seemed to be whether the Council 
should be continued, and after some discussion on motion by Chancellor 
Strong, seconded by Mrs. Garvey, it was decided to reconsider the action 
of the Council on December 14 in regard to the continuance of the work 
of the Council. 

On motion of Chancellor Strong, and seconded by C. S. Gleed, and car- 
ried, it was decided that the Council of Defense maintain its present 
status, and the question of the termination of the life of the Council be 
left for future consideration. 

The Report of the Committee on Organization was adopted, with the 
exception of the first section, which related to the continuation of the 
Council, and the last section, which recommended the state legislature 
statutory authorization of the Council and an appropriation for its con- 
tinuation. It was further authorized that the report as amended should 
be submitted to Governor H. J. Allen, as a report of the Council of De- 
fense. 

The sense of the Council seemed to be that the continuation of the State 
Council of Defense should be determined by the attitude of the governor 
toward it. It may be stated here that subsequently the governor in- 
formed President Waters and the secretary that he deemed it unneces- 
sary to continue the State Council of Defense. 

A complete report of the Committee on Americanization was presented 
and adopted, and two bills were endorsed to be presented before the state 
legislature. 

The final act of the State Council of Defense was the following resolu- 
tion adopted, regarding the death of Col. Theodore Roosevelt: 

"Whereas, In the present intense period of the rebuilding of a war- 
wrecked world, when strength and sanity are most needed in the creation 
of a new civilization, the loss of a leader among men is of the gravest 
moment; and 

"Whereas, In the death of Col. Theodore Roosevelt the world has lost 
such a leader and this nation a citizen of the highest type of American- 
ism; therefore, be it 

"Resolved, By the Kansas State Council of Defense, that we deplore 
the death of Colonel Roosevelt as having removed from earth in the midst 
of his activities a strong personality, whose moral earnestness has been 
such as to strengthen, invigorate and add permanence to our national 
greatness. He developed the many sides of a versatile nature and dedi- 
cated all to the progress and to the good of mankind as he saw it, and in 
thus living he reasserted the sovereignty of this government and com- 
pelled a fresh recognition of its powers and purposes." 



36 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



REPORTS OF COMMITTEES OF STATE COUNCIL OF 

DEFENSE. 



A SUMMARY OF THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE OF AGRI- 
CULTURAL PRODUCTION. 

By Wm. M. Jaedine and L. E. Call. 

Immediately after the organization of the Kansas State Council of 
Defense the Committee on Agricultural Production met and made pro- 
vision for handling every possible factor affecting the production of 
foodstuffs. Subcommittees were appointed to look after each phase of 
the work. These were organized immediately and were set actively 
to work. For some time previous to the formation of the state or- 
ganization it had been known that 4,908,000 of the 8,887,000 acres 
planted to winter wheat the previous fall had been destroyed by winter 
killing, drouth and soil blowing. It was apparent to everyone that it 
was necessary to get a maximum amount of this acreage into spring 
crops. As the season was already far advanced quick action was neces- 
sary. 

A CENSUS OP IDLE LAND MADE. 

A questionnaire was issued and mailed to hundreds of bankers, farm- 
ers, newspapers, business men and others in each county of the state 
seeking to learn how much cultivated land might remain idle from 
different causes; how much available seed there was in the state, and 
the names and addresses of the farmers who had it for sale; in what 
counties there was a lack of seeds, and what kinds; whether the supply 
of labor was equal to the need, and if not, just where it was required; 
and whether there was a surplus of tractor and horse power in parts 
of the state and a need for it in other parts. 

Within five days after the meeting in Topeka some ^,000 individual 
letters had been received from all over the state, and reports from the 
representatives of the state educational institutions who had visited 
practically every county. It was found that nearly all cultivated land 
would be planted to spring crops, such as corn, the sorghums, and barley, 
the exception being about one million acres which it was expected to 
summer fallow in preparation for fall planting of winter wheat, an 
excellent practice. This is about the normal acreage usually devoted to 
this purpose. 

DISTRIBUTING ALL AVAILABLE SEED. 

The available seed in the state was ascertained to the extent indi- 
cated by the following list: 

Kind. Amount. 

Corn 196,948 bu. 

Kafir 36,045 bu. 

Sweet Sorghum 21,000 bu. 

Milo 4,580 bu. 

Feterita 4,210 bu. 

' Millet 18,805 bu. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 37 

Kind. Amount. 

Sudan Grass 35,050 lbs. 

Alfalfa 7,946 lbs. 

Barley 31,555 bu. 

Pinto Beans 1,690 bu. 

Broom Corn 100 bu. 

Clover 198 bu. 

Wheat 9,385 bu. 

Oats 3,280 bu. 

Flax 22 bu. 

Rape 2,000 bu. 

Cowpeas 100 bu. 

Small quantities of garden peas, beans, rye, potatoes, 
speltz, etc. 

The names and addresses of the farmers having this seed for sale 
were known. A seed list was prepared and placed in the hands of every 
county chairman, and the information it contained was available to every 
farmer in the state. In many instances farmers needing seed found it 
available near their own farms, a fact they would not otherwise have 
discovered. This enabled them to secure home-grown seed of known 
quality, at a minimum cost. The amount of seed shipped into the state 
from the outside was reduced to the minimum. 

It was found that much of the available seed was weak in germinating 
power, and the cooperation of the schools of the state was sought to make 
it possible for farmers to plant tested seed. A circular was issued, ex- 
plaining exactly how to test seed, and a copy sent to every school in the 
state. The school children conducted germinating tests while the farmers 
were preparing the seedbed for planting. 

A CAMPAIGN FOR INCREASING STATE CROP ACREAGE. 

The campaign for the maximum acreage of spring crops was waged 
vigorously. All experimenting was eliminated; all adhered to staple 
crops, those that were well tried out and whose value was known. Farm- 
ers were instructed through publicity on the following subjects : 

Crops to plant on ground where wheat has failed. 

Disk kafir and corn ground before planting. 

Do not experiment with new crops. 

Beans. 

Sorghums for syrup. 

Plant kafir and corn in wide-spaced rows. 

The cultivation of corn and the sorghum crops. 

Crops for late spring planting. 

How to handle fallow ground. 
As a result of the work of the Committee on Labor, Horse, and Ma- 
chine Power, many men in need of work and farmers needing help were 
brought into touch with each other. The location, size, and condition of 
all traction engines in the state were determined; also the attitude of 
the owners in the matter of renting or loaning their tractors to those 
needing such power when the tractors were not needed at home. It was 
determined where there was a shortage of horse and traction power, 
and where there was a surplus. 



38 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

ALL VACANT LAND PLANTED TO SPRING CROPS. 

That the activities of the Council bore fruit is well shovi^n by the results 
accomplished. According to the June, 1917, report of the State Board of 
Agriculture, supplemented by information from special agents sent into 
the field to investigate conditions generally, from farmers, county chair- 
men, county agents, bankers, millers, grain men and others in a position 
to knovi^, as many acres in the aggregate were planted to crops in Kansas 
for the year 1917 as were planted in- 1916. To do this it was necessary 
for the farmers to plant in addition to the usual acreage available for 
spring crops most of the 6,000,000 acres of land on which wheat failed. 
The committee's data revealed that of the nearly 6,000,000 acres of winter 
wheat that failed, 5,500,000 acres were planted to spring crops, such as 
com, oats, barley, and the sorghums, with the remaining acres lying 
fallow. This was splendid evidence that the farmers of Kansas were 
fully awake to the food situation and nobly responded to the emergency. 
The following statement shows in detail the acres in crops for each of 
the years 1916 and 1917, aggregating each year about 18,400,000: 

, Acres ^ 

1916. 1917; 

Wheat 7,782,570 3,525,320 

Corn 6,964,724 9,200,000 

Oats 1,461,127 2,225,414 

Rye 64,057 105,800 

Barley 376,416 890,000 

Saccharine sorghum 510,536 777,000 

Milo 133,413 369,000 

Kafir 1,090,807 1,448,000 

Total 18,383,650 18,540,534 

Garden Acreage Increased 100 Per Cent. 
While it is impossible to give exact figures as to the acreage planted to 
garden crops in 1917, it was a common belief that there was at least 100 
per cent increase in the garden acreage planted. More gratifying even 
than this was the fact that garden products were canned and otherwise 
preserved for future use to a larger extent than ever before, as a result 
of the campaign that was waged in all sections of the country, villages 
and cities, among all classes of people. Fewer people bought and more 
produced vegetables, a net result being that large quantities were canned 
and preserved for commercial use. Forty Kansas towns and cities each 
engaged a teacher or teachers for the summer months to supervise the 
gardening and canning work. About 8,000 women and girls wer en- 
rolled in the 200 regularly organized gardening and canning clubs, but 
this was only a very small percent of those actually engaged in this 
patriotic as well as economically profitable work in the state. Probably 
more than 90 per cent of the 407,666 families in Kansas did their bit to 
promote the great program of producing and economically using garden 
products. 

A Wheat Campaign in 1917. 

The big job of the Agricultural Production Committee for the fall of 
1917 was to aid the farmers of the state in every possible way in the 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 39 

planting of a large acreage of winter wheat. To accomplish this the 
Council concentrated its work on three things : 

1. To secure an early and thorough preparation of the seed bed for 
wheat. 

2. To secure an ample supply of good seed. 

3. To encourage the planting of a larger acreage. 

To secure definite information as to the amount of land that it was ex- 
pected would be sown to wheat that fall and the kind of crop that the 
wheat would follow, the following questions were sent out in the form of 
a questionnaire to 5,000 correspondents: What is the estimated acreage 
that will probably be sown in your territory, and how much will be sown 
on ground now growing corn, on stubble, and on fallow land. From more 
than 2,000 replies received it was revealed that about 3,315,000 acres of 
wheat would be planted in corn ground, 3,651,000 acres in stubble, and 
1,075,000 acres in fallow, or a total acreage of 8,042,000 acres. About 
800,000 acres were to be sown after other crops such as sorghum, potatoes, 
beans, millet and on newly-broken sod. These returns indicated that the 
farmers contemplated sowing a total of 8,850,000 acres for the state as a 
whole, which was approximately 650,000 acres less than was seeded the 
preceding fall. The decreased acreage anticipated was largely in the 
counties that lost their 1917 wheat crop. 

INCREASING ACREAGE OF HARD WHEAT. 

Throughout the summer considerable uneasiness was manifiested by 
farmers and by others throughout the state regarding a suitable supply 
of good seed wheat. Many counties of the state where an excellent quality 
of hard wheat is grown lost their entire crop in 1917, and it was there- 
fore necessary for them to import their seed. Less than 3,500,000 acres 
of wheat were harvested in the state this year (1917). A part of this 
was in the eastern one-third of the state, where soft wheat is mainly 
grown. The committee decided that it was highly important that as 
many fields of good, hard wheat be located and listed for seed as possible. 

The Council of Defense, working with the cooperation of the Agricul- 
tural College, the State Board of Agriculture, the government men 
located in Kansas, and the agricultural commissioner of the Santa Fe 
Railroad, undertook to locate farmers who had produced pure hard red 
winter wheat that was suitable for seed. Twenty odd men were assigned 
to this task. Four men in four motor cars were assigned to each county, 
beginning in the counties on the southern border and working northward, 
covering the counties indicated on the accompanying map. Care was ex- 
ercised to ascertain fields that were free from rye and other varieties of 
wheat. Information was obtained of the areas where good seed could be 
found in carload lots, where hard wheat was mixed with soft wheat, and 
again where it was mixed with rye and other impurities. Names of 
farmers were ascertained, together with the information as to the esti- 
mated number of bushels each would have for sale. It was found that 
upon the whole there was available in the state 4,670,000 bushels of good 
hard red winter wheat suitable for seed. The following summarized 
statement shows the counties inspected and the estimated quantities of 
wheat available from the fields inspected and recommended as a first-class 
seed : 



40 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 




History of Kansas Council of Defense. 41 

SUMMARY. 

Total bushels 
County. inspected. 

Barber 234,500 

Barton 19,225 

Chase 36,750 

Clay 11,679 

Dickinson 253,060 

Edwards 8,000 

Ellsworth 16,510 

Geary 65,620 

Harper 668,194 

Harvey 63,552 

Kingman 336,607 

Lyon 900 

Marion 134,984 

Morris 21,541 

Pottawatomie 20,916 

Pratt 537,430 

Reno 426,288 

Rice 595,910 

Riley 8,029 

Russell 97,093 

Saline 136,785 

Sedgwick 201,510 

Shawnee 43,440 

Stafford 288,495 

Sumner 350,927 

Wabaunsee 185,921 

Total 4,763,866 

HELPING THE FARMER BUY SEED WHEAT. 

The great obstacle that stood in the way of the state planting 10,- 
000,000 acres of wheat in the fall of 1917 was the cost of providing seed 
and the difficulty of securing it. As stated before, the counties that 
lost their wheat that year were the counties that reported a probable 
reduced acreage of wheat for the fall of 1918. The main reason for this 
was the lack of seed and the lack of money with which to buy expen- 
sive seed. Even men accustomed to sowing 1,000 to 1,500 acres and who 
lost their wheat this year hesitated to pay $2.50 to $3 a bushel for seed, 
and consequently showed a tendency to curtail their normal acreage. 

The investigations made indicated that forty counties would not raise 
enough wheat for seed. Based on the area sown in 1916, and estimating a 
bushel of seed to the acre as an average requirement for sowing, between 
2,000,000 and 2,500,000 bushels of seed would have to be shipped into the 
deficient counties. It was further learned that the payment for about 
two-fifths of this quantity of seed would have to be deferred until the 
1918 harvest. In order to prevent the two million to two and a half 
million bushels of wheat needed for seed in these counties moving 
through the regular channels, it was found necessary to contract and 
hold a large part of it for the use of the section of the state where 
seed wheat was needed. 



42 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

A SEED-WHEAT COMMITTEE APPOINTED. 

It was found that in order to finance this purchase of seed and to 
import the seed that was necessary not less than $4,000,000, and probably 
as much as $7,500,000, would be needed. It was estimated that three- 
fifths of the amount of wheat to be purchased by farmers in the terri- 
tory would probably be paid for at the time of delivery, as the majority 
of the farmers were financially able to do so. It was considered that 
there were three ways of financing the seed proposition: (1) By the 
state; (2) by counties, and (3) by individuals. It was known definitely 
that terms to renters must be liberal if a maximum acreage of wheat 
was to be sown. Arrangements for financing the purchase of seed wheat 
were made by the appointment by the Kansas Council of Defense of a 
state seed-wheat committee. This committee in turn appointed county 
seed-wheat committees. These committees, working in every county of the 
state, raised the necessary money to finance those farmers who were un- 
able to provide money for the purchase of their own seed. In most 
cases the seed was furnished under the crop-share contract on the basis 
of the one-fifth of the crop. Due to the efficient work of these com- 
mittees, seed was furnished in almost every instance where it was needed, 
and the result was a normal seeding of wheat for the fall of, 1917. 

Shortage of Farm Labor in 1918. 

The two pressing problems before Kansas agriculture the spring of 
1918 were seed and labor. Owing to a cool spring in 1917, followed by 
summer drouth and an abnormally hard early freeze that fall, good seed 
for planting was extremely scarce in Kansas in the spring of 1918. A 
large percentage of corn and sorghums, kafir, milo and otlier crops failed 
to mature properly. This condition of the seed was recognized in the 
fall of 1917, and a persistent campaign was conducted through the news- 
papers, agricultural journals and all other publicity agencies urging 
farmers to take special precautions in selecting and storing their seed for 
1918 planting and to save all old corn suitable for seed purposes. In 
addition, it was resolved that an effort should be made to induce Kansas 
farmers to plant only tested seed. 

A plan was developed for a detailed survey of the seed and labor situ- 
ation in the state, conducted for the State Council of Defense under the 
joint auspices of the public-school system of the state, the extension di- 
vision and the department of agronomy of the Agricultural College, the 
State Bureau of Labor and Industry, and the United States Department 
of Agriculture. The outstanding feature of the plan was that the rural 
school children were employed in carrying the work to the farms. The 
county was taken as a unit. The work in each county was in charge of a 
committee, one member of which was the superintendent of public in- 
struction, to whom were sent questionnaires for distribution to the rural 
schools. The questionnaires covered in great detail the seed and labor 
needs of the community and the supply of seed and labor on hand. Al- 
together the survey was a great success. Ninety-seven counties partici- 
pated. In those counties having county agents, 90 per cent of the schools 
took part in the survey. In counties without agents, 75 per cent of the 
schools took part in many cases. Only eight counties failed to par- 
ticipate. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 43 

SCHOOL CHILDREN HELPED TEST SEED. 

The school children were instructed to collect enough grain to make 
two samples, one of which was retained by the school and tested for 
germination and the other sent to the Agricultural College for testing. 
Over 16,748 samples of seed were tested by the seed-testing laboratory 
of the college. The following table shows the number of samples of the 
chief crop tests and the average per cent of germination : 

Average 
No. of germination, 

Crop. samples. per cent. 

Corn 10,320 79 

Kafir 1,910 57 

Sorgo (cane) 1,245 61 

Feterita 526 82 

Milo 637 79 

Sudan grass 263 76 

Oats 608 92 

Barley 177 81 

Millet 106 83 

Alfalfa 328 72 

In collecting the samples of seeds, the school children made note of the 
name of the owner and the amount of the seed on hand. Circular No. 
11 of the Council of Defense was prepared and published, giving the 
complete information gained by the seed survey, including the name and 
address of the farmers having seed for sale, the kind of seed, number of 
bushels, price when possible, and the germination per cent. Information 
was also included on the purity, maturity, etc., of the seed when available. 
The results of the germination tests made by the college seed-testing 
laboratory were reported back to the rural schools in which the samples 
were collected. The teachers and pupils were enabled to check their re- 
sults with those of the college tests. The educational value of this 
work was very great. The owners of the seeds learned through the 
schools the value of their seeds for planting purposes. 

SEED TESTING BROUGHT POSITIVE RESULTS. 

As a result of the seed survey and germination tests most of the seed 
planted in Kansas that spring was tested seed, and comparatively little 
replanting had to be done as a result of planting poor seed. Farmers not 
having seed of their own were informed where seed could be secured of 
known germination power, through seed lists published from time to 
time by the agronomy department of the Kansas State Agricultural Col- 
lege. The following table gives the total number of bushels of seed of 
the various crops that were listed for sale by the five seed lists pub- 
lished by the agronomy department and the Council of Defense: 

Crop. No. of bushels. 

Corn 94,764 

Kafir 65,847 

Sweet sorghum 21,975 

Milo 18,100 

Sudan grass 15,260 

Feterita 7,619 

Alfalfa 4,803 

Millet 3,105 



44 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The results of the survey on labor showed among other things thaj; 
from 60,000 to 100,000 men would be needed in the harvest fields for 
from ten to twenty days in addition to those already on the farms. In- 
asmuch as very little floating labor could be depended upon, it was rec- 
ognized that labor to harvest the wheat crop must come from within the 
state. Accordingly steps were taken to enroll all the men and boys in 
the towns and cities who were familiar with farm work. The governor 
issued a proclamation designating the week of May 20 for the work, al- 
though the work of enrolling continued for a much longer time. A 
vigorous campaign was waged on the basis of patriotism in saving every 
acre of wheat. As a result of the enrollment campaign 28,816 men 
signed cards agreeing to serve in the harvest fields. Some 18,511 men 
were sent to the harvest fields by the agencies having the work in hand. 
Probably several thousand men went out from these cities of which there 
was no record. The Kansas harvest for 1918 was completed and not an 
acre of wheat or other grain _was lost from lack of labor. 

ASSISTANCE SOUGHT IN A NEW STRAIN OF WHEAT. 

On account of the great need for increased production of wheat, spe- 
cial attention has been given to the condition of the Kanred wheat 
planted in the fall of 1917. Kanred is an improved strain of hard red 
winter wheat developed by the Kansas State Agricultural College. Its 
history runs back to 1906, Kanred being the product of a single head 
selected from Crimean and planted the fall of 1906 with over 500 other 
head selections. Outstanding characteristics were indicated from the 
first for this particular selection. The supply of seed was carefully 
and painstakingly increased during the first years, and it has been kept 
absolutely pure during the years of its development. It has been grown 
in cooperative tests with farmers at the different sub-stations and at 
Manhattan for a number of years. It has given an average gain com- 
pared with Turkey of 4.6 bushels at Manhattan, 3.4 bushels in all tests 
at the sub-stations, and 3.6 bushels in cooperative tests with farmers, or 
an average difference for all tests of 3.7 bushels. It has exceeded 
Kharkof by 5.2 bushels at Manhattan, 5.1 bushels in cooperative tests 
with farmers, and an average of 4.7 bushels for all tests. In the 54 
cooperative tests with farmers which included the local variety, it gave 
an average increase of 4.4 bushels over the local strain. In all tests 
conducted it has exceeded Turkey in yield 59 times out of a possible 66, 
Kharkof 51 times out of a possible 58, and the local variety grown in 
cooperative tests 49 times out of 54. 

SEED WHEAT INSPECTED IN THE FIELD. 

In 1918, preceding harvest, a representative was sent out from the 
Agricultural College to make a personal inspection of each field growing 
Kanred wheat. He interviewed the grower, entered the field and noted 
on a card any impurities such as rye or other wheat, any smuts, or other 
diseases, and noted other factors that would affect the purity of the seed. 
Besides the inspection proper two other objects were kept in mind on 
the trip; first, the comparative condition of Kanred and other varieties 
grown under similar conditions; and second, to impress upon the growers 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 45 

the advantage of pure seed wheat and to instruct them how to prevent 
their seed from becoming mixed in planting, harvesting and threshing. 

One hundred and twenty-nine farmers were visited in 22 counties. 
Kanred wheat was inspected on 98 farms. The acreage of wheat in- 
spected was 1,825. The estimated yield of Kanred in bushels was 27,830, 
and the estimated amount of the seed which would be for sale was 19,660 
bushels. 

It was found that farmers having Kanred wheat were making an 
effort to keep the seed pure, and intended to market the grain as seed. 
Nearly all had planted Kanred on land that had been in corn or oats 
the previous summer, so as to prevent volunteer wheat mixing with the 
dean seed. They were using care in cutting the field or patch of Kanred 
separately, and the majority intended to thresh the Kanred wheat after 
oats, so as to prevent wheat that might be in the machine from con- 
taminating the Kanred seed. 

The information advanced by the growers and the observations of the 
inspector showed Kanred to be slightly earlier than Turkey or Kharkof ; 
to withstand winterkilling better; to tiller more vigorously, and in gen- 
eral to outyield other wheat grain in these counties. In some local areas 
the hot, dry winds injured some of the early wheat more than the later 
varieties, but this is recognized as an unusual condition. 

KANSAS PRODUCES A TENTH OF THE NATION'S WHEAT. 

Returns from the 1918 harvest showed that Kansas contributed to the 
world's food supply around 93,000,000 bushels of wheat. Kansas farmers 
fulfilled their promise for the harvest of 1918. The estimated wheat 
production for the whole United States was something like 900,000,000 
bushels. Notwithstanding that the increase in production was approxi- 
mately 300,000,000 bushels over 1917, it was necessary to limit the use 
of wheat products and to see that production did not slow down. It was 
necessary to prepare to plant as large an acreage to wheat in Kansas 
as in 1918, and to do a better job of it than ever before. Greater 
emphasis was placed on better tillage methods. With labor scarce it was 
impossible to hope to greatly increase the acreage of wheat for the state 
as a whole, but by the use of more timely and better methods of pre- 
paring the seed bed it was thought possible to insure an increased yield 
of from five to ten bushels an acre without extra expense of seed and 
labor. Early seed-bed preparation was therefore made the slogan. 

A year's program outlined. 
The program as outlined for the Kansas farmers for the wheat- 
planting campaign of 1918-1919 was as follows: 

1. Plow or list in July or early August every acre on which wheat is 
to be planted this fall. Give it just enough cultivation thereafter to keep 
it free from weeds. 

2. Plant to wheat as much as possible of the land on which oats were 
grown this year. Wheat will do better after oats than after wheat. 

3. Plant as much wheat as practicable in cornstalk ground, pro- 
viding it has been kept well tilled and free from weeds. 



46 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

4. Eastern Kansas farmers should increase the acreage planted to 
wheat for the following reasons: (a) Eastern Kansas has a greater 
supply of labor than any other section of the state. (6) Wheat growing 
fits in well with the cropping system of eastern Kansas. It is fall-planted 
while all other crops are spring-planted. This provides for an economical 
use of labor, (c) Wheat is a sure crop for eastern Kansas if well planted. 
(d) Practically every farmer has on hand an abundant supply of seed 
of known quality. 

5, Farmers of western Kansas were advised to plant a normal acreage 
to wheat and to reduce to the minimum the chance of failure by preparing 
the seed bed early and well. In this section drouths and hot winds are 
to be expected. It is wonderful what a little reserve of moisture will do 
in enabling wheat to withstand cold and drouth. A reserve of moisture 
can be secured by stirring the ground early, so that every drop of rain 
that falls may penetrate the soil and be retained until the growing crop 
can use it. 

INCREASED USE OF FARM TRACTORS. 

According to the 1917 county assessment returns, the number of trac- 
tors in Kansas at that time was 4,350. The most reliable data obtainable 
January 1, 1918, through the sales departments of the various tractor 
companies, indicated that the number of tractors in the state was then 
5,000. After that time the tractor companies did not push the sale of 
tractors because of difficulty in securing raw materials, but considering 
their manufacturing capacity and the supply on hand, together with the 
insistent demand for tractors, it is reasonable to suppose that by July 1, 
1918, the number of tractors in the state had risen to 6,000. 

The salesmen of the various companies reported that during the latter 
part of 1917 and the first half of 1918 a great preponderance of the 
orders for tractors were for the 10-20 size, whereas early tractor owners 
in Kansas bought the 20-40 gas tractor. This indicates that the small 
tractor had been found best for Kansas conditions. The great demand 
was for a tractor of from two to three plow capacity, one that could be 
started easily and operated by boys under draft age, by old men and by 
young women. 

REPLACING TRACTOR OPERATORS WHO WENT TO WAR. 

In the spring of 1917 most of the 4,000 tractors in the state were 
operated by the owners or the owners' sons. Kansas had contributed by 
the summer of 1918 not less than 40,000 men to the army and navy. It 
is a reasonable estimate that half of these were from the farms. Assum- 
ing that among these one man in ten was capable of operating a tractor, 
it would mean 2,000 tractor operators gone from the state. It would 
take half the men who were operating tractors in 1917 and leave 4,000 
tractors in the state in 1918 for whom operators must be supplied from 
some new source. If there was added to this number a possible 50 per 
cent being operated during the night also, it would still further increase 
the number of new tractor operators required. 

In view of the necessity of using the tractors available to the fullest 
possible extent in the production of food, it was considered the duty of 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 47 

everyone who could fit themselves for this work to do so. Consequently 
an effort was made to encourage every one, either man or woman, who 
could drive an automobile to take the necessary instruction in tractor 
operation for the purpose of equipping themselves for this work. 

HOW TO MAKE WAR BEEF AND SAVE GRAIN. 

In the production of live stock farmers were advised as to the type 
of animals which it was profitable to produce under the changing condi- 
tions resulting from the war. War beef was made the slogan for the year, 
and greater use of silage and farm roughages in producing beef was en- 
couraged. Heavy grain feeding was discouraged, except in the case of 
baby beef. Farmers were encouraged in press articles and in public 
talks to observe the government program in the production of hogs. The 
dairy industry was encouraged through calf clubs, cow-testing associa- 
tions, and assistance in securing good dairy stock from other states. 

DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS — HOLDING DOWN AND CONTROL. 

By means of field men and press notices the farmers in central and 
western Kansas were kept in close touch with the grasshopper situation, 
and in nearly all cases crops were protected from grasshoppers which 
early in the year appeared in threatening numbers. Several hundred 
tons of poisoned bran mash were distributed under the direction of the 
entomologists and the county farm agents. 

An extensive campaign was carried on with the beekeepers of the 
state in the interest of increased honey production. During March of 
1918 an apiarist of the Federal Bureau of Entomology visited the bee- 
keepers in the different beekeeping localities. He made a second tour in 
April and May, meeting beekeepers in their apiaries, where modern 
methods were discussed and demonstrated. 

One extension entomologist gave his entire time to the fruit industry 
in the Arkansas river valley and northeastern Kansas. There were from 
12,000 to 15,000 acres of bearing fruit trees in the Arkansas valley alone. 
Valuable help and instruction were given the growers in combating in- 
sects and diseases, with a large economic saving. While the apple crop 
was not as heavy as that of 1917, the loss from insects and fungus was 
less than for that year. 

Particular attention was given to insects that infest stored grain and 
mill products. There are very effective methods of controlling this class 
of insects. Press articles were published calling attention to the serious 
damage that these insects can do in a short time and emphasizing the 
practical methods of control that should be practiced. 

Through press articjes growers were kept in close touch with the 
insect situation in respect to garden crops and were given timely advice 
as to control methods. At the beginning of the campaign it was found 
that very few druggists and dealers were carrying the common insecti- 
cides that were recommended. The need was taken up with the whole- 
sale houses, who readily cooperated, and proper insecticides were placed 
in several drug stores in practically every county of the state. Thus in 
1918 there was no complaint from anyone because of inability to secure 
proper spray material. 



48 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

ANOTHER INCREASE IN THE GARDEN ACREAGE. 

The aci'eage of vegetable crops othei' than potatoes was larger in 
1918 than in 1917, but returns were not as satisfactory. Potatoes were 
light in yield, and many of the smaller truck crops produced unsatis- 
factory yields because of unfavorable weather. This meant considerable 
decrease in household canning. 

A vigorous silo campaign was put under way, manufacturing com- 
panies assisting the college and Council of Defense in putting it through. 
More silos for saving by-products and furnishing feed for live stock was 
the purpose of this movement. 

Boys' and girls' club work was encouraged. There was in 1918 a 
total enrollment of 9,286 members in these clubs. Of this number 1,925 
were growing gardens and 3,196 were in canning clubs. In the garden 
club work each member was required to grow not less than one square rod 
of garden, while in the canning clubs the requirement was that each 
member can at least 25 quarts of products. The average for 1917 was 
better than 60 quarts per club member. All surplus products grown by 
garden club members were canned and dried. Nothing was allowed to 
go to waste. It is safe to say that these club members alone canned and 
dried in 1918 500,000 quarts of food products. In 1917, 2,677 members 
reported a total of 236,679 quarts of products canned. 



REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON GARDENING AND 

CANNING. 

Edward C. Johnson, Chairman. 

Under the stimulating influence of the committee on gardening and 
canning there was more than twice the normal area planted to gardens 
in 1917, and the area was increased above this point in 1918. These esti- 
mates are based on statements of the season and on the careful observa- 
tion of our county leaders and county defense officers. 

There were 59 boys' and girls' garden clubs established, with a total 
enrollment of 1,618 members, who reported in the unfavorable season of 
1917, a production of vegetables of the value of $101,000 at the local 
market price. There were 198 mother-and-daugher canning clubs or- 
ganized, the members of which also devoted part of their time to garden- 
ing and part to canning. In these clubs there were 8,065 members, who 
canned approximately 500,000 quarts of home-grown fruits and vege- 
tables. The Glenwood Canning club, which had won in 1916, the honor 
of being the best canning club in the country, broke its earlier record by 
6,000 quarts, and again won national honors as the best club in the United 
States. Four teams in one mother-and-daughter canning club in Leaven- 
worth county canned a total of 4,540 quarts in 1917. Had all the homes 
in Kansas done half as well as these, there would have been an average of 
378 quarts to the family, or more than a quart available daily throughout 
the year. 

In 1918 the garden record of 1917 was surpassed more through the 
care and intelligence with which the plantings were handled than in the 
increased acreage. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 49 

To promote garden work twenty county leaders were employed, garden 
conferences were held in all the larger towns, printed and mimeographed 
•suggestions as to planting and care of garden crops were sent out to 
individuals, organizations, and the press. Each railroad in Kansas was 
asked to furnish all available land on its right of way for garden-club pur- 
poses. Most of the railroads granted the use of this land without charge, 
others charged only a nominal rental. Railway employees of course were 
given preference over others. 

In 1918 300 garden clubs were organized, with an average of 30 
members each, and 250 mother-and-daughter canning clubs. Community 
drying plants were established in the larger towns and cities in ac- 
cordance with plans prepared by the committee. 



REPORT OF SUBCOMMITTEE ON FRUIT. 

O. F. Whitney, Chairman. 

The Committee on Fruit prepared and forwarded to all teachers of 
agriculture in the state a request for cooperation in the matter of pre- 
vention of insect injury in the orchards, and included instructions for 
the control of canker worm and codling moth, and the fruit growers of 
the state were organized to assist in carrying out the following program : 

1. The dissemination of information concerning the needs of the 
various fruit crops as to cultivation, spraying for insects and diseases, 
and the possible use of fertilizers. 

2. Urging all transportation companies to expedite the shipments of 
spray materials, machinery, fruit packages and perishable fruit products. 

3. To attempt to lessen the economic waste in transportation and to 
relieve car shortage by recommending the increase in consumption of 
home-grown products. This was particularly desirable in view of the 
very probable increase in freight rates. 

4. The dissemination of information concerning the use and cost of 
evaporating and canning outfits, and the establishment of plants for the 
utilization of the garden and orchard products, and whenever possible, 
utilize the laboratories of the schools and the assistance of teachers and 
pupils in the work of canning and evaporating. 

5. To provide for the utilization of all fruit products by providing 
common storage in cellars and caves for low-grade fruit until such time 
as it may be available. This allowed fruit suitable for long-time storage 
to be retained for later use. 

6. To secure accurate information concerning the amount of com- 
mercial cold storage available for fruits and fruit products. 

7. To encourage utilization of all fruit resources, to the end that the 
cost of fruits to the consumer be not abnormally increased by speculation. 

8. To secure estimates as far in advance as possible of the probable 
need of labor, and to cooperate with the schools, Boy Scouts, and other 
organizations for the use of available labor in the community. We urged 

4 — C. Def. — 5487 



50 History of Kansas Council of Defense, 

that industrial schools and other institutions be allowed to furnish the 
labor of their inmates for any service they may be able to render. 

9. We suggested the greater dissemination of information concerning 
the need of fruit in the human dietary and that every effort be made to 
provide a reasonable amount of fruit and fruit products for all whose 
welfare it is our duty to consider:. 



THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON INSECTS 
DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE WAR. 

Gboege a. Dean, Chairman, and S. J. Hunter, Secretary. 

Very soon after the appointment of a Committee on Insects by the 
chairman of the State Council of Defense, the committee met and adopted 
the following plans of work: 

1. Organization of the twenty-five or more working entomologists of 
the state into a unit, divided as follows: (a) Office force to carry on 
publicity, including newspaper articles, circulars and correspondence. 
To plan and direct field work. (6) Field force to conduct scouting work, 
organization work, demonstration work. 

2. To carry the methods of control that are known to be effective and 
practical to the farmer. This was done by carrying on a publicity cam- 
paign against the insects through farm papers, newspapers, farmers' in- 
stitutes, granges, farmers' unions, and county agents. 

3. To send out field men from time to time to keep in touch with any 
threatened outbreaks, and thus be prepared to put methods of control 
into operation at the most important time, 

4. In case of threatening outbreaks to organize the counties for con- 
certed action. Counties were organized by townships through the county 
farm agents, especially for grasshopper, Hessian fly and chinch bug 
control. 

5. To have the entomologists in the field actually direct the field work, 
because many farmers will not apply the methods they merely read, or 
if they do they will often omit some important detail that is vital to its 
success. 

6. So unify and organize all the work of the state that the greatest 
good was accomplished with the least expenditure of labor and money. 

These plans were carried out in cooperation with work of the experi- 
ment station, college, university. Federal and state extension entomolo- 
gists. 

By means of the field men and press notices the farmers in central and 
western Kansas were kept in close touch with the grasshopper situation, 
and in nearly all cases protected their crops from the grasshoppers that 
appeared in threatening numbers. Several hundred tons of the poisoned 
bran mash were distributed under the direction of the entomologists and 
the county farm agents, and, if the crops saved were to be estimated in 
dollars and cents it would amount to several million. 

An extensive campaign was carried on with the beekeepers of the 
state in the interest of increased honey production. An apiarist of the 
Federal Bureau of Entomology visited the beekeepers in the different 
beekeeping localities of the state several times, discussing and demon- 
strating modern methods of bee management. In all forty-four meetings 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 51 

were held, with a total attendance of 750. C. D. Mize, president of the 
Kansas State Beekeepers' Association; F. C. Pellett, staff correspondent 
of the American Bee Journal; L. V. Rhine, deputy state bee inspector, and 
Dr. J. H. Merrill, state apiarist, spent two weeks visiting the beekeepers 
in the interest of increased production. 

The work of inspecting the apiaries in the state for bee diseases was 
directed by Doctor Merrill, the state apiarist. There were twelve men 
engaged in this work. This inspection work meant the keeping of better 
bees, using better methods, controlling and preventing diseases, and the 
producing of more honey. 

3. One extension entomologist gave his entire time to the fruit interest 
in the Arkansas River valley and northeastern Kansas. The help and 
instruction that this man gave the apple growers meant a great deal to 
them. Throughout the valley and other fruit districts he received ex- 
cellent cooperation and did good, constructive work. All the time he kept 
in close touch with thd insect situation, and was able to give timely ad- 
vice as to control methods. There are from twelve to fifteen thousand 
acres of bearing trees in the Arkansas valley alone. 

An extensive campaign was carried on relative to protection of garden 
crops from insects and plant diseases. By means of many press articles 
the growers were kept in close touch with the insect situation, and were 
given timely advice as to control methods. At the beginning of the cam- 
paign we found that very few druggists and dealers were carrying the 
common insecticides that we recommended. Professor Hunter, who took 
the matter up with the wholesale houses, found them ready to cooperate, 
and thus these insecticides were placed in several drug stores in prac- 
tically every county of the state. The year following we had no com- 
plaint from any one not being able to secure the proper spray material. 

An experiment station circular on "Insects and Plant Diseases Attack- 
ing Garden Crops" was issued early in the season, and a large number 
were distributed to interested persons. 

Particular attention was given to the insects that infest stored grain 
and mill products. There are very effective methods of controlling this 
class of insects, and several press articles were published, not only call- 
ing attention to the serious damage that these insects can do in a very 
short time, but also emphasizing the practical methods of control that 
should be practiced. A large number of the experiment station circulars 
describing the methods of control were sent to persons requesting them. 

Through the extension and experiment station entomologists the wheat 
growers were kept in close touch with the distribution of the Hessian fly 
in the state, and wherever the fly appeared in threatening numbers the 
farmers were urged to cooperate and practice effective methods of con- 
trol. A study of the behavior of the fly on different varieties of wheat 
has shown that there may be such a thing as a variety of wheat that is 
immune, or at least resistant, to the attacks of the fly. 

An extended study of the May beetles of Kansas was made. This 
work was undertaken because of the large amount of injury by one 
species, Lachnostema lanceolata, to wheat in southern Kansas. 

Extensive injuries to wheat throughout the western third of the state 
by the false wireworm, Eleodes opaca, resulted in an intensive study of 
this insect. The life history has been thoroughly worked out, and sev- 
eral methods for preventing injury have been developed. 



52 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



HORSE AND MACHINE POWER COMMITTEE. 

J. C. MoHLER, Chairman. 

Immediately after the organization of the committee, and at its direc- 
tion, W. H. Sanders, of the farm engineering department of the State 
Agricultural College, compiled a directory of all students who were 
trained in the handling of tractors and farm machinery. This list was 
compiled by counties, in order to make the men expert in the handling of 
farm machinery available to the farmers locally on short notice. 

A questionnaire was promptly sent out to each county chairman in 
order to secure reliable information concerning land, horses and ma- 
chinery available. The object of this questionnaire was to secure such in- 
formation which would make possible the full employment of land, horses 
and machinery for increased production. This information was for local 
use mostly, and proved of considerable value in certain counties. 

Through the assistance of the State Board of Agriculture in compiling 
from its records a list of tractor owners, the committee mailed a ques- 
tionnaire to more than 3,000 tractor men. One thousand replies were re- 
ceived, from practically every county in the state. This questionnaire 
brought out some very pertinent facts regarding the use of tractors in 
Kansas. Thus it was found that during 1916 the Kansas tractors worked 
an average of only 41 days, and slightly more than 50 per cent of these 
41 days in plowing; also that the average sizedi tractor developed about 
12 1/^ horsepower on the drawbar, and 25 horsepower on the belt. Ninety- 
two per cent of the replies indicated that the tractors were either in good 
or fair condition. A purpose of the committee's work was to encourage 
by cooperation the maximum use of the tractor in all portions of the state, 
and the working days of the tractor were increased from 41 days during 
1916 to 60 days during the last year of the war. At the beginning of the 
war there were 3,932 tractors in Kansas ; at the close 8,689. 

The committee made an effort to aid tractor operators in finding em- 
ployment and tractor owners in locating suitable tractor operators. In 
this work Mr. Guy H. Hall, of the Kansas City Tractor Club, was of much 
assistance. 

A circular. No. 12, of the state Council, was prepared by the committee 
and distributed. It contained suggestions to assist in making the state's 
horse and machine power render the greatest possible service. The cir- 
cular was brief, and consequently was widely published by the local press, 
thus proving effective in stimulating the fullest and most efficient utiliza- 
tion of the power available. Much attention was given to the matters of 
the care and treatment of the work horse, as he after all was a main de- 
pendence. 

Meetings of the committee were held on various occasions, at such 
times as the exigencies required, and everything it could possibly do was 
done in behalf of greatest efficiency of motive power in agricultural pro- , 
duction as well as in transportation, as the use of the motor truck was 
greatly extended during the war and proved of good service wherever 
employed. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense, 53 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 

No state department perhaps so completely devoted itself to war work 
in Kansas as the State Board of Agriculture. When the State Council of 
Defense was organized the secretary of the board was chosen as the sec- 
retary of the Council, and from the beginning to the end of the board's 
office at the state house was the official headquarters for the Council and 
its clearing house, where correspondence was attended to, files kept, and 
complete information recorded of the activities of the state and county 
councils, and of various committees. 

As the State Council had no money to further its work, the board 
promptly made liberal amounts of its funds available, and its office help 
gave much time to the promotion of the council's business, on occasions 
its entire force being thus engaged. 

By merely following its customary lines of work, the board's services 
naturally were expected to be of special value in stimulating agricultural 
production, and so it proved. Its comprehensive and thorough statistical 
data of crops and live stock, in detail by countries, were decided aids to 
the Council's Committee on Agricultural Production. Owing to these 
records, and the board's machinery for securing quickly and accurately in- 
formation about growing crops and conditions, the committee was at all 
times enabled to know just what was being done in the way of increased 
operations and of any changes in the crop situation. For example, it was 
through the board's crop reporting service that the committee was 
apprized early in April, 1918, that of the 9,588,000 acres of wheat sown 
considerable more than 50 per cent was worthless or so unpromising 
that it would be abandoned. With these facts before it the committee 
was able to intelligently plan its campaign for planting this abandoned 
wheat land to spring crops, with recommendation of what to plant and 
the best methods to follow, according to location. Throughout the war 
the board's office rooms, its office force, its funds, facilities and equipment 
were placed at the service of the Council, and for the whole time were 
extensively and constantly utilized. 

While the board closely cooperated with other state departments and 
institutions in forwarding the war work carried on through the Council, 
it rendered valuable additional service on its own account. One of the 
most conspicuous examples of this is found in the Federal appropriation 
of $5,000,000 that was made available from the President's war funds for 
seed wheat loans in the fall of 1918, secured through the initiative of the 
board and its able and convincing presentation of the case before Con- 
gress, the Federal departments and the President. 

The board's investigation, made in early June by the secretary of the 
board, accompanied by Fred Voiland, state director of the Council, re- 
vealed that owing to two successive crop failures where wheat was ex- 
tensively sown, often to the exclusion of other crops, the finances of many 
farmers were depleted and their credit exhausted. Banks had made loans 
up to legal limits, and without assistance the farmers in such territory 
would be unable to sow a normal acreage of wheat. Considering these 
facts, the board, believing it imperative to maintain the acreage of wheat 



54 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

to meet the world's demand for bread, authorized a committee to proceed 
to Washington to present the matter, as a war measure, to the proper 
government officials. E. E. Frizell, H. W. Avery and J. C. Mohler com- 
posed the board's committee. The State Council of Defense and State 
Food Administration were invited to join in this mission, and Dr. H. J. 
Waters and Fred Voiland, president and state director, respectively, of 
the Council of Defense, and Mr. Chas. Lamar, of Salina, representative 
of the State Food Administration, completed the Kansas committee that 
presented the case at Washington, with the result already mentioned. 
Seed-wheat loans from this fund were made not only in Kansas, but in 
Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado and New Mexico as well. Striving primarily 
to make possible the utmost utilization of Kansas' resources for wheat 
raising through government assistance, the board's efforts happily proved 
of much benefit along similar lines in other states. The area of wheat 
sown in Kansas that would not otherwise have been sown amounted to 
365,000 acres, the total of the Kansas loans aggregating $1,046,000. 

It may be said, too, that the Board's crop statistics, worked up in 
tables, charts and maps, were invaluable aids in preparing a showing 
that was not only definite, but unquestioned and conclusive and con- 
tributed greatly to the success of the committee's undertaking. 

It seems wholly appropriate to present herein a brief summary of the 
efforts of the Kansas farmers toward crowning the allied armies with 
victory, as revealed by the board's crop record. As the great conflict was 
initiated in July, 1914, when the season of planting had passed in Kansas, 
the war's influence on agricultural production could not make itself felt 
in the "sunflower state" until in 1915. In that year the total area 
devoted to cultivated crops amounted to 21,210,000 acres, or about 200,000 
more than for 1914. In 1916 the crop acreage amounted to 22,722,600 
acres, or a gain of 1,500,000 over 1915, which indicates quite clearly the 
effect of the war in stimulating agricultural industry while the United 
States was still a noncombatant. 

In April, 1917, when Congress declared a state of war existed between 
the United States and Germany, the first call of the country was ad- 
dressed to the husbandmen, to still further increased production. With 
a splendid spirit of patriotism the farmers of Kansas responded to this 
appeal by setting a new mark in the scale of their operations. Although 
the wheat that was planted for the year's crop, in the fall preceding, 
amounted to 9,588,000 acres, and was the largest for the state up to that 
time, yet the total crop acreage in Kansas for 1917 was still further 
and very greatly increased, and amounted to 28,312,000 acres, or 5,590,000 
more than in 1916. 

In acres planted Kansas reached the highest point in her history in 

1917. Owing to the draft and the demands of other war industries re- 
ducing the supply of farm labor, there was a falling off in operations in 

1918, as indicated by the total of 25,376,000 acres planted, or less by 
about 3,000,000 than for the year preceding. The farmers were able to 
make such a showing in the last year of the war only through the more 
extensive employment of modern machinery, by working harder and for 
longer hours, and planning ahead. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 55 

No less determination was shown in increasing live-stock productions 
than in increasing crop productions. While handicaps were encountered 
in shortage and high prices of feedstuffs because of serious crop losses, 
failure of pasture to afford sufficient grazing owing to dry weather, in- 
adequate stock water in some localities, and unstable markets, produc- 
tions were kept at a mark that can be accounted for only by the patriotic 
desire of our farmer-stockmen to meet the war's demands. While there 
were fluctuations in numbers of live stock during the war, more meat and 
milk producing animals were reported on the farms of Kansas in 1918, 
the last year of the war, than in 1914, the first year of the war. The 
war record plainly shows that our farmers not only rose to the emergency 
in a way that proved their mettle, but did so in a manner strikingly 
to manifest their patriotism and deepseated devotion to country. The 
farming fraternity of Kansas furnished its quota of men for army and 
navy service; subscribed liberally to the Red Cross and other was ac- 
tivities, and invested heavily in Liberty bonds and war savings stamps, 
but after all, with due regard to the vital importance of these contribu- 
tions, and acknowledging the incomparable sacrifices of those who staked 
their lives for the liberty and freedom of the world, Kansas' greatest 
opportunity to serve was realized through the utmost utilization of her 
God-given advantages for food production. 

The officers and members of the board during the war-period (1917- 
1918) were: President, J. T. Tredway, La Harpe, (1917); 0. O. Wolf, 
Ottawa, (1918). Vice president, R. B. Ward, Belleville (1917); H. S. 
Thompson, Sylvia, (1918). Treasurer, A. W. Smith, McPherson, (1917) ; 
H. W. Avery, Wakefield, (1918). Secretary, J. C. Mohler, Topeka. Mem- 
bers: L L. Diesem, Garden City; H. S. Thompson, Slyvia; O. 0. Wolf, 
Ottawa; H. W. Avery, Wakefield; E. I. Burton, Coffeyville; Thos. M. 
Potter, Peabody; T. A. Hubbard, (deceased), Wellington; E. L. Barrier, 
Eureka; H. M. Laing, Russell; E. E. Frizell, Larned; C. H. Taylor, Valley 
Falls; P. H. Lambert, Hiawatha; Paul Klein, lola; E. A. Millard, 
Burden; W. J. Tod, Maplehill; F. H. Manning, Council Grove; R. B. 
Ward, Belleville; 0. A. Edwards, Goodland, and W. J. Young, McPherson. 

Special acknowledgment is made of the loyal and untiring efforts of 
the board's office force in promoting the Council's work, as follows: 
I. E. Davis, assistant secretary; H. W. Doyle (deceased), special assistant 
secretary; J. H. Me Adams, chief clerk; H. M. Starr, statistician; Mrs. 
Edith Mohney, Theo. D. Hammatt, H. H. Haynes, Mabel Ackley, Earl H. 
Loomis, and Earle S. Palmatier, the latter two resigning to enter army 
service. 



COUNTY AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION.* 

Edw. C. Johnson and Walter Burr. 

After the organization of the Kansas State Council of Defense it was 
immediately realized if Kansas was to have a civil mobilization for the 
support of the war it was necessary that much attention must be paid to 
local organization. 

* See "County War Organization in Kansas," by Edw. C. Johnson and Walter Burr. 



56 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

In April, 1917, the Committee on Organization recommended to the 
governor that a chairman be appointed in each county who was to proceed 
to organize the county. The committee on County and Community 
Organization presented a desirable plan of organization, which on being 
recommended to the State Council of Defense was approved thereby, 
and a copy of this was sent to each county chairman. This plan of 
organization provided for a county council of defense, which involved 
representation of townships, municipalities and communities. It pro- 
vided for the county organization composed of the leading interests in 
the county, and was intended to provide for the unification of all war 
work interests under one local organization. 

The following paragraph, taken from the plan of organization, shows 
clearly what was intended by this plan : 

"Resolved, That this county council should represent the chief inter- 
ests of the county, and that it be composed of representatives approxi- 
mately as follows: Chairman of county emergency committee (chairman 
referring to temporary committee originally organized in a few counties) ; 
members of county emergency committee; chairman board of county 
commissioners; president of county farm bureau; county agent; county 
superintendent of schools; president or secretary county Farmers' Union; 
master or lecturer of Pomona Grange; president of county bankers' as- 
sociation, or in absence of an association a prominent banker at the 
county seat ; mayors of the incorporated towns ; president or secretary 
of commercial clubs of incorporated towns; chairman of school board of 
county seat; representatives of women's clubs; a local pastor; editors; 
one township president from each township, who is to be responsible for 
the township or community organizations; representatives of other 
interests as the emergency committee may deem advisable." 

The organization work of the county was at first largely left to the 
chairman of the county council, but owing to the fact that local war 
activities had begun to stir before the state council was organized, just 
as the state interests began to crystallize before the organization of the 
National Council of Defense, the organization consisted in many cases 
of adapting the principle to existing conditions. As a result of this dif- 
ficulty the war organization presented many different phases in the sev- 
eral counties, but every county in the state had an organization of some 
form to promote the support of the war. 

A report on a questionnaire received from ninety-eight counties indi- 
cated that there had been much war work in the majority of the counties 
of the state. In most of these counties the organization was known as 
the County Council of Defense, but other names were adopted as follows : 
The Lincoln County Loyal League; Patriotic War Club of Kingman 
County; County War Council in Barton, Gray, Jackson, Marshall, Morris, 
Washington, and Wichita counties; War Defense Council of Ottawa 
County; County War Fund Association in Dickinson and Sedgwick coun- 
ties; War Relief Committee in Franklin county; War Relief League in 
McPherson county; Council of Defense and Loyalty League in Saline 
county; County War Activities in Sumner county; County War Com- 
mittee, Finney county; County Patriotic Club, Barber county; War Re- 
lef Board, Ellsworth county; War Work Council Logan county. 

While the organization at first was left largely to the chairmen, dis- 
trict vice presidents of the Council of Defense and the forces within the 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 57 

various counties, the Committee on County Organization was forced, 
through its chairman. Prof. Walter Burr, of the Agricultural College, to 
assist in perfecting county organizations. Through the marked ability 
and untiring services of Mr. Burr, who had at his disposal the services 
of the Department of Rural Service of the Extension Division of the 
Agricultural College, the local war work was rapidly promoted. 

The following paragraph from Mr. Burr's report gives an indication 
of the nature and the scope of this organization : 

"While the plan of organization in most counties contemplated a 
representation of the various organizations and war activities in the 
county, one of three well-defined types of organization usually was 
adopted. First of these is the type of organization recommended to 
counties by the State Council of Defense and consisting of representatives 
of the chief interests of the county as a central committee, with a town- 
ship representative from every township, to be responsible for com- 
munity organization. In many cases the township representative ap- 
pointed community representatives or committees. Second, a central 
council of defense, organized according to the suggestions from the state 
Council, a township chairman in each township, with a representative in 
every school district. Third, a war board composed of the chairmen or 
representatives of the various war activities, such as the Red Cross, the 
Y. M. C, A., the Liberty loan committee, the Food Administration and 
Fuel Administration, serving as the central clearing house for all war 
activities in the county. 

"In addition to these three types there was in one county a council 
of defense with a county chairman and a chairman for each voting pre- 
cinct, and in several counties a central council with local community 
councils developed on the same plan as the central council. In at least 
one county there was a strictly military type of organization. The war 
council was headed by an executive committee composed of a chairman 
and secretary and five district captains, the county being divided into 
five districts. Each one of these districts, in addition to having a captain 
for the district had two lieutenants. The districts were subdivided into 
community councils with a sergeant and two corporals as a committee for 
the community. While there was considerable variation in the types of 
organization in the local communities, the type usually developed was 
the local community council, with representatives of all community in- 
terests and war activities on the council. 

"The work of the county councils was very similar in promoting the 
various 'drives,' and consisted largely of funds for the Red Cross, the 
Y. M. C. A., and the Liberty loans. In several counties the councils 
passed on all proposed 'drives' and money-raising campaigns. Many 
councils were active in the food-enrollment campaign. Some .councils 
gave considerable time to promoting agTicultural production. This was 
done primarily through the farm bureaus and county agents, who in most 
cases represented the agricultural interests on the council. Some coun- 
cils gave much aid to the organization of farm bureaus and procuring 
funds for county-agent work. Some of the county organizations indi- 
cated by the names which they adopted the type of work which they 
emphasized or might be expected to emphasize. For instance, the 
'County War Relief League' probably emphasized relief work, if such 
was needed in the county. One 'County Lbyalty League' developed a 
membership of 200, incorporated for the purpose of giving aid to de- 
pendents of men in the army when needed, helping to care for business 
enterprises left by enlisted men, and acting as a police organization to 
see that the citizens of the county were loyal, and kept informed as to 
those suspected of disloyalty. The 'County War Fund Association' was 
active primarily in promoting the various war funds. In the case of 
the "Kingman County Patriotic War Club," all citizens of the county 
were registered through township representatives of this club, their assets 



58 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

noted, and an account kept of the contributions of each individual toward 
the various war funds. 

"In three-fourths of the counties of the state, educational work with 
reference to the war was emphasized through the war organizations, and 
war speakers were supplied to these organizations through the medium 
of the speakers' bureau of the State Council of Defense. Next to the 
drives for the necessary funds for the various organizations, this edu- 
cational work perhaps received the greatest emphasis by the different 
county councils." 

The financing of the county work was very little systematized. In 
some instances an attempt was to have a paid membership for carrying 
on the current expenses of the organization; in some instances a paid 
secretary was engaged for this service; but as a rule everybody worked 
without even a desire for compensation, their services being a free gift 
to the community and the state and the nation. An almost unanimous 
feeling seemed to prevail that if we sent the boys to the front to face 
the dangers of war the most those who stayed at home could do was 
little enough under the circumstances. 

One of the most effective methods in the county organization was the 
use of the card index, which gave a record of every individual with his 
"striking weight," which made it possible to see whether he was doing 
his full duty in the service of his country. This card index was used 
not only in collecting funds, but in keeping a record of peoples' patriotic 
devotion. 

The last movement in the organization was the local community, which 
proved to be very efficient in many localities. As an experiment in 
home democracy it is a most interesting study. This to a large extent 
was a coordination of the work of the leaders of different organizations. 
Again quoting from Mr. Burr's report: 

"That this was contemplated in the original plan of organization is 
seen from the following quotation from the committee on public infor- 
mation, Washington, D. C: 'To work without lost motion, we must all 
work together. This means organization and centralization. It is of 
great importance that every community should develop at once completely 
democratic and also genuinely effective control of the agencies of pro- 
duction and welfare. A central committee in which representatives of 
all important community activities are included should lead in the work 
of the war, and delegate to subcommittees responsible to the central com- 
mittee the direction of specific enterprises. Let us take as our watch- 
words "Intelligent Efficiency" and "Get Together." ... An interde- 
nominational, intersectarian, interreligious committee should be formed 
in every community, and now as never before this committee should seek 
to enlist the support of every member of the organizations represented 
in its personnel.' 

"This plan was also in harmony with the recommendation of the 
Kansas State Council of Defense in its resolution of April 25, 1917: 
'Township presidents should see that local committees or community clubs 
to represent communities be appointed or selected. . . . The com- 
munity organization should proceed into such committees as seem de- 
sirable and applicable to local conditions.' 

"The community council in many instances became a ready instrument 
for war service, and under the authority of the State Council of Defense 
and the State Food Administration, such councils were developed by the 
organization committee in many sections of the state. 

"In a normal Kansas agricultural community with a town center, the 
membership of a community council was comprised approximately as fol- 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 59 

lows: Township president of the county council; chairman of the local 
Red cross; member of Women's Committee of Council of Defense; school 
principal; pastors; editors; township vice presidents of the farm bureau; 
township trustees; chairman of the school board; president or secretary 
of the farmers' institute; master or lecturer of the Grange; president or 
secretary of the Farmers' Union; president or secretary of the commer- 
cial club; banker." 

Thus we see that while the national cry was "to make the world 
safe for democracy," democracy was being organized at home as it had 
never been before. Before the war effort communities had not realized 
what could be accomplished by careful organization and united effort; 
and thus real practical democracy received a tremendous impetus. 

It must be realized that the war closed before most organizations had 
time to demonstrate their full capacity and power. Therefore, the great 
part of the work of the state and local councils and organizations was 
that of educational propaganda. A continuous educational campaign was 
established and carried on by means of literature, partly provided by the 
Federal government and partly by the Council of Defense, the Agricul- 
tural College and the State University. More especially was this propa- 
ganda systematized by the organization of a speakers' bureau, which 
will be more fully discussed farther on. 

One of the great difficulties of organization was the necessity of mak- 
ing the state, county and local organizations cooperate and work har- 
moniously with those sent out by the Federal government, such as the 
food and fuel administrators, which emanated from the Federal gov- 
ernment at Washington, the Women's Division of the Council of Defense, 
and the Red Cross, particularly that of the home-service section. While 
the organization at Washington was of tremendous force, with far- 
reaching consequences, a more systematic administration could have 
been had if the Council of National Defense had held the State Council 
of Defense responsible for all local organizations of all kinds and trusted 
it to do the work and report directly to them. This would have made a 
responsibility in government and developed a greater unity. 

It is interesting to note how many institutions, each going its own 
individualistic way, irrespective of what other institutions were doing, 
were now forced into enthusiastic cooperation. It suggested that if a 
united patriotism could be developed in time of war, why could it not be 
done in time of peace? The closing paragraphs of Mr. Burr's report 
present this matter clearly: 

"War organization was of course primarily for the purpose of win- 
ning the war. The work of the organization committee was successful 
in that Kansas was properly organized to do her part in gaining the 
victory which is now an assured fact. But perhaps the most lasting by- 
product of the organization work will prove to be the bringing together 
into hearty cooperation the various organized forces of the state. The 
state educational institutions worked together as one great force, with- 
out jealousies or differences of any kind. They proved themselves to be 
in practice what they are in theory — the one great educative agency, 
supported by the people, moving as a unit in the organized life of the 
state. 

"The Grange, the Farmers' Union, the farmers' institute, farm 
bureaus, as well as the bankers' organizations, the merchants' associa- 
tions, commercial clubs, chambers of commerce — all of these organiza- 



60 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

tions, sometimes supposed to have conflicting interests, now unified in 
purpose, came together in one successful organized effort. It may con- 
fidently be assumed that if the organized and institutional life of the 
state can unite and cooperate for war purposes, a like result can be 
accomplished in the permanent interests of the state during a time of 
peaceful and constructive development." 



HIGHWAYS TRANSPORT COMMITTEE. 

W. C. Maekham, Chairman. 

One of the most serious problems confronting this country from a 
business or commercial way during the World War was the transportation 
problem. The railroads were so thoroughly absorbed in the transporta- 
tion of war materials direct that much merchandise and raw products 
needful to all concerned were seriously handicapped. To meet this need 
as far as possible the Council of National Defense called upon the various 
state organizations to organize motor-truck service. 

The plan of the Council of National Defense was to divide each state 
into five districts, and the five members of the state committee are the 
chairmen of these several districts. In affecting an organization for 
Kansas, the following committee was appointed to have charge of the 
various districts, as given below: 

W. C. Markham, secretary Kansas Highway Commission, chairman. 

H. S. Putney, Topeka, chairman district No. 1, composed of the fol- 
lowing counties: Doniphan, Brown, Nemaha, Atchison, Jackson, Potta- 
watomie, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Shawnee, Wabaunsee, Mor- 
ris, Osage, Douglas, Johnson, Miami, Franklin, Coffey, Lyon, and Chase. 

W. F. Allen, Chanute, chairman district No. 2, composed of the fol- 
lowing counties: Anderson, Linn, Bourbon, Allen, Woodson, Greenwood, 
Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Cherokee, Labette, Montgomery, and 
Chautauqua. 

John B. House, Wichita, chairman district No. 3, composed of the fol- 
lowing counties: Rice, Barton, Butler, Harvey, Reno, Stafford, Pawnee, 
Hodgeman, Finney, Kearny, Hamilton, Sedgwick, Kingman, Pratt, Ed- 
wards, Kiowa, Ford, Gray, Haskell, Grant, Stanton, Cowley, Sumner, 
Harper, Barber, Comanche, Clark, Meade, Seward, Stevens, and Morton. 

J. F. Ollinger, Salina, Chairman district No. 4, composed of the fol- 
lowing counties: Riley, Geary, Dickinson, Ottawa, Russell, Ellis, Trego, 
Gove, Logan, Wallace, Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Marion, Lane, Ness, and 
Rush. 

William Lutt, Concordia, chairman district No. 5, composed of the 
following counties : Marshall, Washington, Clay, Republic, Cloud, Jewell, 
Mitchell, Smith, Osborne, Phillips, Rooks, Norton, Graham, Decatur, 
Sheridan, Rawlins, Thomas, Cheyenne, and Sherman. 

The following men compose the membership of the district committees 
and will have full charge of the organization and work in the several 
counties of their district: 

District No. 1: Drew McLaughlin, Hiawatha; S. S. King, Atchison; 
Carl J. Kapka, Kansas City, Kan.; A. H, Gufler, Emporia; William Wal- 
lace, Ottawa. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 61 

District No. 2: H. A. Russell, Fort Scott; J. A. Gibson, Pittsburg; 
C. 0. Humphrey, Parsons; Phares Root, Independence; Thomas Bowlus, 
lola. 

District No. 3: Arthur Taylor, Great Bend; H. J. Carey, Hutchinson; 
P. H. Albright, Winfield; Mat Graham, Augusta; C. C. Eastham, An- 
thony. 

District No. 4: J. C. Baker, Manhattan; J. W. Jenkins, McPherson; 
Cyrus Gawthrop, Salina; C. A. Case, Abilene. 

District No. 5: H. A. Kirchoff, Washington; H. L. Pierce, Belleville; 
W. E. James, Beloit; Harry Wolley, Osborne; H. L. Thieman, Con- 
cordia. 

While Kansas is not so congested in population as many of the east- 
ern states, still it was thought that much good could be accomplished 
by a thorough organization of this character in the state. To that end 
the state committee took a census of all the trucks being used in the state. 
The census included the name of the party operating the motor, the 
schedule, the character of produce hauled, the return load, the rate 
charged, and the tonnage carried. Already in a good many communities 
individuals were found to have taken up this matter of motor-truck serv- 
ice, but the greatest problem was the working out of a method whereby 
they are assured of a return load. 

The United States Railroad Administration strongly urged the for- 
mation of this method of transportation. One of the chief problems of 
to-day seems to be to increase the use of highways as much as possible, 
in order to relieve the burden and strain upon the railroad and water 
transportation. 

The Department of Labor at Washington was also much interested 
in the problem, because of the desire to aid the farmer in getting his 
produce to market without being compelled to leave his work and each 
day take a certain amount of time to deliver his produce. 

Several of the states which have advanced further in their work of 
organization than Kansas have adopted a plan of price of rates, by tak- 
ing the former express rate and freight rate and suggesting to the motor 
men to make a charge of the average of these two rates. 

There are quite a number of communities in Kansas where sys- 
tematic deliveries of merchandise from the wholesaler to the retailer 
were accomplished much more expeditiously than by the use of a railroad. 
Return-load bureaus were in a few cases located at some convenient point 
in the city, and in that way there has been no difficulty in securing for 
the truck men plenty of return service. 

As an illustration of this movement and what it has accomplished in 
the relief of the transportation situation, it is recalled that at In- 
dianapolis there are incoming trucks numbering about 500 per day. If 
each of these trucks could return three tons of merchandise to the sur- 
rounding country in one day, the equivalent of 150 freight cars and 
corresponding motor power released from short-haul work, whether in 
Kansas, Mississippi or New England, would permit a daily loading of at 
least 6,000 tons of munition. 

The committee, however, had hardly more than began its work in a 
systematic manner when the armistice was signed. 



62 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The committee had no funds with which to work, and all efforts made 
to assist and encourage truck transportation were made by the members 
of the committee at their own personal expense. 

The work of the committee fully demonstrated the fact that when 
Kansas has roads which can be depended upon in all kinds of weather, 
all local transportation will be carried on by motor trucks exclusively, 
leaving to the railroad the long haul. 



REPORT ON LABOR. 

A. J. Johnson, Chairman. 

The Committee on Labor of the State Council of Defense issued the 
following appeal to the working men of Kansas : 

It is the sense of the Kansas State Council of Defense that in view of 
the great shortage of all kinds of farm labor in the United States, in- 
creasing daily with the call for men to go into the army and navy, and in 
view of the fact that the feeding not only of our own army and the people 
but of the armies and peoples of the allied nations is the first necessity to 
win the war, we urgently recommend that each community rely largely on 
the labor available in the community itself; that each county organize a 
strong committee on labor; that a survey of all available labor be listed 
and classified ; that all but the most urgent public work as well as private 
improvement be discontinued during the harvest season; that manu- 
facturing plants and places of business in general release as much of 
their labor as may be available for farm work;: that the said committee 
in each county keep in communication with the State Department of 
Labor and Industry, at Topeka, so that the excess of labor in one locality 
may be readily transferred to another; that the services of the great 
army of boys and girls of the state of Kansas be enlisted in the produc- 
tion of a maximum food supply; and to this end we recommend that the 
governor be authorized to prepare and present a suitable badge to all 
young men and women certified to him by the county committee of labor 
as having rendered creditable service. 

It is the highest patriotic duty of the young farmers of Kansas to 
stay on the farms until the present crops are secured; and we urge upon 
them that volunteering is no more honorable or patriotic than the selective 
draft. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES. 

Robert A. Gray, Chairman. 

The Committee on Mineral Resources cooperated with the mine oper- 
ators of Kansas, with a view to keeping production fully up to the de- 
mands. The natural increase in the price of these commodities stimulated 
activity in production, particularly in drilling for oil. While the price of 
zinc was low, compared with other minerals, there was sufficient tonnage 
produced to take care of the consumption. Along the east line, in Chero- 
kee county, some of the best prospects were developed. 

Labor disturbances more or less curtailed the production of coal. The 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 63 

significance of these "wildcat" strikes was shown in the result of pro- 
duction in the following instances : 

Smith, Scott & White Company: Strike declared December 28, 1917. 
Resumed work February 28, 1918. Tonnage lost, 42,300 tons. Work days 
lost, 47. Men employed, 97. 

Jackson- Walker Coal Company: Strike declared February 15, 1918. 
Eesumed work March 4, 1918. Tonnage lost, 35,000 tons. Working days 
lost, 14. Men employed, 589. 

Packard-McWilliams Coal Company: Strike declared February 4, 
1918. Resumed work March 26, 1918. Tonnage lost, 9,000 tons. Days 
lost, 30. Men employed, 38. 

A summary of the above figures shows an average loss of 19 days for 
724 men in wages, and a loss of 86,300 tons of coal to the consumers of 
our state, which loss represents about 1.3 per cent of our total annual 
tonnage produced. 

Consumers were urged to put in their requirements as early as- pos- 
sible and to lay in their supply of coal far in advance of the winter. The 
committee cooperated in every possible way with the fuel administrator 
in carrying out his difficult problems. 



COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION. 

L. H. WllLFEKUHLER, Chairman. 

The work of the State Council of Defense was carried on almost en- 
tirely by volunteer workers. No appropriation by the legislature was 
made for the support of these workers. It was decided by the governor 
to be so far as possible a "no expense" campaign. No doubt that in many 
instances legislative appropriation would have enhanced the value of the 
services of the volunteer workers to a large extent. 

The work of the council could not have been carried on without the 
services of the State Board of Agriculture, the Agricultural College, the 
University of Kansas, the State Labor Bureau, the State Board of Health, 
and other agencies, which devoted their clerical and educational ma- 
chinery to the cause and paid current expenses out of funds already 
appropriated for the services of these institutions. It was thought wise 
since the winning of the war became the special business of the hour that 
the whole attention might be concentrated upon this, even though other 
affairs received less attention than they needed or really would have re- 
ceived in time of peace. 

It was proposed to apply for assistance to the legislature in the sum- 
mer and autumn of 1918. It was observed that if the great machinery of 
war work was to attain to its full effectiveness it would be necessary to 
supplement the work with a budget, as the institutions above referred to 
had practically reached their limit for current expenditures. However, 
the armistice of November 11, 1918, heralded the closing of the war and 
the return to peace, and no bills were introduced for carrying on of the 
work of the Council of Defense as a peace organization, only a small 
appropriation was made to make up a deficit arising from necessary ex- 
penditures. 



64 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Governor Arthur Capper was chairman of the Committee on Emer- 
gency, Finance and Financial Aid, but little could be done in these lines 
without legislative action. The following letter of July 26, 1919, from 
Mr. L. H. Wulfekuhler, chairman of the Legislative committee, gives the 
last word regarding the legislative situation: 

"I have nothing to report, because when the Council decided that they 
needed no legislation when the session convened nothing was to be done 
further than to secure appropriations for expenses incurred. This was 
done. We had several bills to present to the legislature had the Council 
found it necessary to have enabling laws. We found that our state ad- 
ministration was so well arranged that the various departments could 
handle the same duties." 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC DEFENSE. 

Frank W. Blackmar, Chairman. 

The Committee on Public Defense met immediately on appointment, 
and organized the following sub-committees: Hospitals, physicians and 
surgeons; Red Cross; Home Guard; chemical products; and vagrancy. 
Subsequent committees were, Committee on Recruiting for Volunteer 
Service, and Central State Legal Committee. Somewhat later a com- 
mittee on the work of the American Protective League in Kansas was 
organized in Kansas, consisting of Fred Voiland and F. W. Blackmar. 

Soon after the organization of the Committee on Hospitals, Physicians 
and Surgeons, the chairman was informed that the Federal government 
was making similar appointments in the state, and the work done was 
being duplicated by what we were attempting to do in the state. Where- 
upon the Federal committee and the state committee were combined, and 
the work thereafter was done under the direction of the Federal govern- 
ment. 

The Committee on Red Cross was instituted for the purpose of support- 
ing the movement and obtaining members throughout the various coun- 
ties. The chairman was informed by the American Red Cross at Wash- 
ington that it would take charge of all the Red Cross work in the state, 
and this was therefore organized under the direction of the Federal 
organization. 

The Committee on Home Guard, of which James A. Kimball was chair- 
man, started a vigorous organization of various guard units in various 
parts of the state. This was deemed necessary by many communities 
because of the withdrawal of the National Guard into service on the 
Mexican border, and subsequently its mergence into the Federal army. 
Col. N. R. Rahn, of the adjutant general's office, of Topeka, cooperated 
with Mr. Kimball. Hardly had the work begun to be well under way and 
a few vigorous units formed, which were engaged in protecting property 
and keeping order, when the State Guard was organized and the Home 
Guard units merged into it. It will be remembered that this State Guard 
subsequently was merged into the new National Guard of to-day. 

The Committee on Vagrancy, of which Mr. J. K. Codding, of Lansing, 
was chairman, was for the purpose of rounding up vagrants who had 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 65 

been coming in as floaters to Kansas and who belonged more or less to 
the criminal classes and were dangerous to life and property. The draft 
which took all of the able-bodied men and made a demand for labor seemed 
to diminish this class to the extent that the work of this committee was 
rather light. 

The Central State Legal committee, of which Judge T. F. Garver, of 
Topeka, was chairman, was for the purpose of giving free legal advice 
to soldiers and sailors in the service and to their families. Under the 
auspices of the central committee a county committee was organized in 
every county in the state. These county committees in many instances 
rendered a great deal of service, and the members of the bar everywhere 
freely and willingly gave their services free to the soldiers and sailors 
and their families. 

Before the enactment of the draft law a committee for recruiting for 
volunteer service was organized. The idea was advanced by the governor 
of the state and by the adjutant general. This was for the purpose of 
making as large a showing of volunteer service for the state of Kansas 
and as small a showing of the draft as possible. 

Kansas has always taken pride in its National Guard as a purely volun- 
tary organization, and felt that it would do its part in the great war 
without the compelling forces of a selective draft, but when the draft was 
fully inaugurated it was found the best possible means of selecting those 
who ought to go and leaving those at home who ought to stay. Instead 
of being an evidence of the lack of patriotism, it became the great vehicle 
for patriotic activity. 

Another committee, the Committee on Chemical Products, of which 
H. B. Dains, of the University of Kansas, was chairman, had for its 
purpose the chemical investigation which should be carried on under the 
direction of the Federal government for the discovery and the utilization 
of chemical products for the war. After the close of the war this com- 
mittee was used as a foundation and formed the state Committee of Re- 
search, which was in active cooperation with the National Council of 
Research which was organized in the time of the war and is vigorously 
perpetuated in time of peace. 

The work of the branch of the American Protective League in the 
state of Kansas was carried on secretly through the cooperation of Fred 
Voiland, of Topeka, and F. W. Blackmar, of Lawrence. Mr. Voiland 
was the state organizer of this work, and did a great service in eff'ecting 
this organization in different parts of the state. Its purpose was the 
discovery and prosecution of disloyalty and the protection of loyal persons 
who were under accusation of disloyalty. Wherever this organization 
obtained in a county it was not possible for open disloyalty to exist with- 
out information being sent directly to the Department of Justice, through 
which this organization worked. 

It is difiicult to say just how much influence the Public Defense com- 
mittee and its sub-committees had in the support of the war, for in this 
as in many other organizations the community needs shifted as the war 
developed. Moreover, the sudden closing of the war left the committees 

5 — C. Def. — 5487 



66 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

with apparently their best work to be done, even though everyone was 
thankful that such work was rendered unnecessary. Perhaps the most 
important things concerning this organization, like the whole Council of 
Defense, was the development of a spirit of loyalty and a readiness to 
protect and help wherever there was need. 



STATE COMMITTEE OF RESEARCH. 

(Members of the executive committee indicated by *'.) 

1. Engineering — Dean A. A. Potter, Manhattan; Prof. G. E. Shaad, 
Lawrence. 

2. Physical Sciences — (a) Astronomy: Dinsmore Alter, Lawrence. 

(b) Chemistry and chemical technology: H. P. Cady, Lawrence; F. B. 
Dains,* Lawrence; H. H. King, Manhattan; J. T. Willard,* Manhattan. 

(c) Geology and geography: R. C. Moore, state geologist, Lawrence. 

(d) Physics: J. O. Hamilton, Manhattan; F. E. Kester, Lawrence. 

3. Biological Sciences — (a) Botany: L. E. Melchers, Manhattan. 
(6) Zoology: B. M. Allen, Lawrence; R. K. Nabours,* Manhattan. 

(c) Entomology: G. A. Dean, Manhattan; S. J. Hunter,* Lawrence. 

(d) Psychology: W. S. Hunter, Lawrence; J. S. Peterson, Manhattan. 

4. Agriculture — L. E. Call, Manhattan; W. A. Lippincott,* Man- 
hattan; C. W. McCampbell,* Manhattan; J. H. Mohler, secretary State 
Board of Agriciilture. 

5. Medical Sciences — (a) Medical science: G. E. Coghill,* Lawrence; 
A, E. Hertzler,* Rosedale; M. T. Sudler, Lawrence, (b) Bacteriology: L. 
D. Bushnell, Manhattan; N. P. Sherv/ood, Lawrence, (c) Physiology: 0. 
O. Stoland, Lawrence. 

6. Sociology and Economics — F. W. Blackmar,* Lawrence; J. E. Kam- 
meyer, Manhattan, (a) Home economics: Helen B. Thompson, Man- 
hattan; Elizabeth Sprague, Lawrence. 



LEGAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES OF THE STATE OF KANSAS 
AND THE COUNTIES. 

When the war broke out many men were called suddenly to leave their 
homes and family relationships in an unsettled condition. There were 
questions of property that had been purchased and part paid for, ques- 
tions of rent, and questions of title to property, and questions of pend- 
ing legislation. A large number of the drafted soldiers had no time to 
attend to business of this kind, and even when they had time were 
unable to pay for legal advice. 

To meet this emergency a legal committee was formed in the state of 
Kansas which was prepared to give legal advice free of charge to any 
soldier needing it. This committee was composed of a general state com- 
mittee to have control of the entire service, and a local committee in 
each county working under the direction of the central committee. The 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 67 

names of the central committee are found in the general category of 
committees of the State Council of Defense, and the names of the mem- 
bers of the county legal committees are found respectively in the county 
histories. 

Inasmuch as the draft boards were called upon to give much legal 
advice, and in many instances were overwhelmed with business, the 
county legal advisory committees were usually formed with one or more 
members of the draft board with additional members of the local bar. 

The object of the central committee, as stated in the plan of organiza- 
tion, is as follows: 

The Legal State committee, subordinate to the State Council of De- 
fense, is expected to perform the following duties: 

(a) To draft and propose war-emergency legislation for the state 
legislature, 

(&) To draw up a booklet of legal rules for the guidance of soldiers 
and sailors entering the service, to be used by the local legal committees 
as a handbook for their work and as an instrument for making known 
to soldiers and sailors the need of legal preparation, care being taken 
to inform local committees of changes in laws or regulations subsequent 
to the compilation of the booklet. 

(c) To supervise the formation and work of the local legal committees, 
whose organization is provided for below. 

Object of county legal committees: That a legal committee to advise 
soldiers and sailors be created as a subordinate committee of each county 
or other local council of defense, with the following duties: 

(a) To explain the selective service law to drafted men. 

(6) To give legal advice as to the benefits of war-risk insurance, al- 
lotment of soldiers' and sailors' pay by the Federal government, govern- 
ment family allowance, the soldiers' and sailors' civil rights act if it 
becomes a law, and other war-emergency laws relating to men entering 
the service. Copies of these laws will be furnished by the War Depart- 
ment. The home-service sections of the Red Cross in many communities 
have information service in this regard organized and in operation. 
Coordination with their work niay not be duplicated unnecessarily. The 
committee should also assist in drawing up the papers necessary to be 
filed to claim the benefits of the foregoing laws. 

(c) To draft wills and attend to caring for the property and settling 
the business affairs of men entering the service. 

(d) To represent soldiers and sailors in court where necessary, and 
obtain for them the benefits of the civil rights act when in force. 

(e) To arrange to attend to such business matters as require and 
are capable of attention in the absence of men in the service. 

(/) To report to the Red Cross home-service section cases requiring 
relief which come to the attention of the committee. 

These committees rendered a great service to many soldiers, and it 
is greatly to the credit of the members of the legal fraternity that they 
responded loyally to this free service while they saw their own business 



68 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

gradually decline on account of the war, but this organization, like a 
number of others, had scarcely gotten into full operation before the war 
closed and its business gradually declined, then many returning soldiers 
acknowledged with grateful thanks the advice given them and their 
families by these committees. 

The home-service section of the Red Cross dealt with the questions 
involved in the business of war-risk insurance. These were many and 
varied, regarding back pay, insurance, and compensation for services and 
for injury, but frequently they called upon the legal advisory com- 
mittees of the state for advice, which was always cheerfully given. 
Here, as elsewhere, Kansans showed their loyalty in the support of the 
war and in caring for the boys at the front and their families at home. 



REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLICITY. 

The Committee on Publicity, of which Frank P. MacLennan, Topeka, 
was chairman, and N. A. Crawford, Manhattan, was publicity agent, 
performed a great service in promoting war-work enthusiasm and in 
disseminating useful information as to the duties and responsibilities of 
the workers in the Council of Defense. In this, as in other cases, there 
was direct cooperation with the publicity agents of the Federal govern- 
ment. The committee sent out publicity material regularly to approxi- 
mately 800 newspapers and farm journals. 

Speaking in particular of the shipbuilding publicity, N. B. Reynolds, 
National Council of Defense, wrote as follows: 

"I am personally no end grateful for the way you have handled the 
work. I have not only made a report covering the matter to Mr. Hurley 
personally, but I have laid it before Mr. George F. Porter, chief of the 
state councils section, and will also explain it to Mr. W. S. Gifford, di- 
rector of the Council of National Defense. 

"I cannot help but tell you that in my own opinion your publicity work 
and the publicity work throughout this country on this shipbuilding 
thing has been the best piece of work that the state Council has handled 
since the beginning of the war. 

"My connection with the work has been simply to transmit as quickly 
as possible the necessary data over the signature of whoever issued the 
various statements, and the credit lies entirely with the state Council, 
and above all with you as publicity manager. Can I say more?" 



COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC RELATIONS. 

Prank Strong, Chairman. 

The first service of the Committee on Public Relations was the sup- 
plementary work that it did in Douglas, Jefferson, and Osage counties. 
The president of the Council of Defense asked the chairman of the Pub- 
lic Relations committee to visit these counties to supplement and co- 
ordinate the work of the county chairman in a campaign for adequate 
subscriptions to the Liberty loan of 1917 and other loan drives; and 
second, to make as effective as possible the campaign for food saving 
and restriction. Addresses were given by the chairman in Lawrence, 
Atchison, Tonganoxie, Oskaloosa, Jarbalo, Holton, Scranton, and Osage 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 69 

City. This work was effective in strengthening the campaign in these 
counties. 

The chairman of the Public Relations committee, as chancellor of the 
University, appointed committees of the University faculty for the vari- 
ous campaigns for subscriptions to bonds, Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., and 
other war-work drives. The University raised during the war a total in 
Liberty bonds, war-savings stamps, and Victory loans, about $140,500; 
for the Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. and united war-work drive, $25,700; 
and for the Red Cross and White Cross campaigns, Armenian and 
Syrian, and Belgian relief, about $8,500; or a total of about $174,700. 
It also did a large amount of work in connection with food conservation 
and food canning, and work of the first importance under the auspices 
of the Federal government in connection with direct war activities. 

As the war progressed and the work of the State Council of Defense 
enlarged, the duties of the Committee on Public Relations enlarged in a 
corresponding degree. This increase in the field of work was along two 
main lines: (1) All of the Kansas problems connected with the very 
vital question of Americanization of foreign elements was put in charge 
of this committee. (2) As the number of calls for the raising of great 
sums of money increased, causing confusion and duplication, the over- 
sight of this matter was placed in the hands of this committee. 

1. The problem of Americanization in Kansas, while not so difficult as 
in some other states, was a very delicate one. As the emotions of the 
people were aroused by the war the question of the loyalty of the ele- 
ments in the Kansas population having foreign affiliations was upper- 
most in the minds of many people. Almost immediately also there arose 
the question of the use of German in the schools of Kansas, both public 
and private. Some sporadic cases of violence were reported against 
persons suspected of disloyalty. It seemed to the chairman of the com- 
mittee that to enable the State Council of Defense to act intelligently 
upon such complicated questions there ought to be added to the Com- 
mittee on Public Relations a man of thorough and intimate knowledge of 
all the factors in the case. Therefore Prof. Martin Graebner, of St. 
John's College, Winfield, a man of undoubted loyalty, of American birth, 
and one having large and intimate knowledge of the elements in Kansas 
having foreign affiliations, was appointed and given immediate charge of 
the problem arising from organizations using a foreign language. The 
chairman of the Committee on Public Relations called a meeting with the 
representatives of many religious bodies in Kansas whose adherents 
used in their form of worship some other language than English, the lan- 
guage usually being German. These matters were fully discussed and 
the sentiment of unjrielding loyalty was so unanimous as to make clear 
that in the main there would be no difficulty in securing the coopera- 
tion and allegiance of all elements of our population. Professor Graeb- 
ner's report on Americanization work of the Committee on Public Rela- 
tions, Kansas State Council of Defense, follows: 

"When our country entered the war against the Central Powers, 
many of our citizens looked with a great deal of apprehension on the 
great numbers of foreigners, especially those of German extraction, and, 
at least secretly, doubted whether we ever could achieve what we needed 
to win the war: a united nation. Evidence is not lacking that our great- 



70 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

est enemy looked upon these same numbers of our foreigners with a great 
deal of hopefulness, also thinking that we could never unite them in favor 
of a war against their former mother country. Subsequent events proved 
that our fears were unfounded and the hopes of our enemy deceived. 
Broadly speaking, this country had very little difficulty on account of dis- 
loyalty. A few sporadic attempts to resist the draft, now and then 
certain excesses committed by angry mobs, an insignificant number of 
outbreaks of real disloyalty, and we have mentioned about all the dis- 
turbing elements. Of organized resistance there was scarcely a trace, 
and our foreign-born population was never, apparently, a real menace to 
our success. 

"The causes of this happy condition lay, first of all, in the fact that 
the great majority of our naturalized citizens were loyal at heart. 
Another cause lay in the fact that our government was thoroughly or- 
ganized to quell any uprising and to discourage any attempt at resistance 
or evasion of duty. Some little credit for the comparative quietness that 
prevailed in our state during the entire war, even in the counties with 
the largest foreign population, should probably be given the Committee 
on Public Relations of the State Council of Defense, which had charge 
of the Americanization work. This committee, under the leadership of 
Chancellor Frank Strong, did a great amount of work, an outline of 
which is given in the following pages. 

"We set ourselves the task of uniting the various foreign elements of 
our state in one united effort: to win the war; and we realized that one 
of the best means to that end would be unity of language. We regarded 
it as extremely undesirable at all times, and a real menace in war times, 
that there should be in our state large communities in which the language 
of our country was not spoken by the adult population, and where the 
children were but imperfectly instructed in the use of the English lan- 
guage. Ignorance of the language of our country renders a citizen un- 
able to perform the duties of citizenship and is therefore at all times 
culpable. The habitual use of the foreign language of our enemies in 
war time constituted a two-fold menace. It rendered the utterance of 
disloyal remarks comparatively safe, and it had a tendency to provoke 
mob violence on the part of the more hot-headed members of society. It 
was no more than natural, therefore, that this committee sought ways 
and means to restrict as much as possilile the use of the German language. 

"As far as the children were concerned, our task was not difficult. It 
was our plain duty to secure to each child in Kansas the opportunity of 
being instructed in the English language, and it would have been a 
comparatively easy task, simply to forbid the use of the German language. 
No doubt we could have counted on the support of a large part of our 
citizens, had we seem fit to adopt such a course. We had also before us 
the example of some of our sister states in which all public use of the 
German language, even in religious worship, was prohibited by the 
respective State Councils of Defense. This committee felt that although 
such action would be worthy of consideration as a last resort, it would be 
more in harmony with the American spirit, and of more lasting benefit, 
if the same results achieved in other states by harsh and autocratic 
methods could be gained in Kansas by enlisting the voluntary support and 
cooperation of those societies and communities in which the German 
language was principally used. We thought we knew the Kansas people 
well enough to make the effort. And since, in our opinion, it is equally 
improper to perpetuate any other foreign language to the exclusion of 
the English, we resolved, as an Americanization measure, to use our in- 
fluence also in those circles where such other foreign languages were 
being extensively used. 

"We now invited the heads of various organizations using the German 
and other foreign languages to confer with us in person. The response 
was gratifying. A very large proportion of our invitations were ac- 
cepted. Conferences were held at Winfield and at Topeka with the 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 71 

following persons : Rev. H. Mueller, of Athol, representing the Lutheran 
Iowa Synod; Rev. F. W. Gahre, of Wilson, representing the Lutheran 
Ohio Synod; Rev. P. D. Mueller and the members of the Lutheran Patri- 
otic Committee, representing the Lutheran Missouri Synod; Prof. J. F. 
Krueger, representing the Lutheran General Synod, with headquarters 
at Atchison; Rev. C. F. Tiemann, of the German Baptist Church; Rev. 
John Klein, of the German Methodist Church; Messrs. J. W. Kliewer, 
P. C. Hiebert, A. L. Schellenberg, and D. E. Harder, representing vari- 
ous branches of the Mennonite Church. 

Prof. Ernst Pihlblad, president of Bethany College, and Rev. Alfred 
Bergin made detailed report in writing concerning the Swedish people 
of Kansas. 

"Upon all these representatives we urge the advisability of increasing 
the use of the English language in their church services and other gather- 
ings, especially of young people, and of gradually breaking away from 
the foreign language entirely, and make this, not exactly a 'one language 
country,' for we recognize the advantage of knowing more than one 
language, but a country in which one language, and that the English, 
shall be universally understood and habitually used by all citizens. 

"We left the details in their hands, trusting them that the seed we had 
sown would yield fruit in abundance. Subsequent investigations proved 
beyond a doubt that our confidence was not misplaced. We believe that 
our methods were as successful as those ruthless methods employed else- 
where. We were instrumental in bringing about a very largely increased 
use of the English language, and we did so without forsaking true 
American principles of liberty and justice, and without losing the good 
will of the Kansas people. 

"We thought it wise also to consult with the National Council of De- 
fense concerning our method of handling the language question. The 
following correspondence passed between us and Washington: 

" 'Hon. Hans Rieg, Chief, Foreign Language Division, Treasury Depart- 
ment, Washington, D. C.: 

" 'Honorable and Dear Sir — I have before me a copy of your letter 
of August 24 to Rev. F. Pfotenhauer, with reference to German speaking 
churches, in which you state that you were calling the attention of .the 
National Council of Defense to situations existing in certain states, and 
in which you further state that the adoption of autocratic measures does 
not meet with the approval of the President, the administration, and the 
Federal authorities. 

" 'The Kansas State Council of Defense is now engaged in formulating 
a policy with reference to the use of foreign languages. We have ruled 
that the English language shall be the only medium of instruction in all 
schools of Kansas from the kindergarten to the eighth grade, inclusive. 
We have taken no action curtailing or regulating the use of foreign lan- 
guages in public worship or at other gatherings and places. I know it 
would be appreciated by all members of our committee if we could be 
advised what the National Council of Defense considers proper along the 
lines indicated. 

" 'You will confer a favor by transmitting this inquiry to the proper 
department for answer. Very sincerely yours, 

Martin Graebner, 
Of Committee on Public Relations.' 

"To this letter the following reply was received : 

" 'Washington, D. C, November 25, 1918. 
" 'State Council of Defense, Topeka, Kan. : 

" 'Gentlemen : Mr. Hans Rieg, Foreign Language Division, Treasury 
Department, has given us a letter of October 12 from Mr. Graebner, of 
your Council. During the war many state councils took action as indi- 
cated by Mr. Grebner with reference to the teaching of English in schools. 



72 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

and also put a ban on the use of the German language in churches and 
public meetings, although in many cases their rulings were modified as 
to church services. 

" 'It has been the policy of the Council of National Defense to insist 
upon an orderly process in all such measures, although it has made no 
ruling applicable to the whole country, due to the fact that the condi- 
tions as to the number and English speaking ability of the foreign popu- 
lation varied in almost every state. 

" 'We note that you have formulated a policy that English shall be 
the medium of instruction in all the graded schools up to the eighth 
grade, with which general policy we are entirely in sympathy. We be- 
lieve that the first step in unified thought and purpose for the nation is 
a common language. Had the war continued, it might have been worthy 
of consideration that it be ordered that the use of the German language 
be forbidden in all public gatherings. Happily, the war is over, and 
without undertaking to pronounce a policy to be followed generally, we 
are of the opinion that the position of your state Council that you put 
no ban upon the use of the foreign language in places of public worship 
is a just and reasonable position. We feel in all cases that this matter 
should be very carefully studied by the respective state Councils, and that 
their conclusions be made in accordance with the necessities of the situ- 
ation. Very truly yours, Federal Agencies Section, 

John S. Cravens, Chief.' 

"A careful perusal of the above correspondence reveals the fact that 
this committee received official commendation both for what it did and 
for what it refrained from doing. 

"That real Americanization can most easily be achieved by enlisting 
the active cooperation of prominent men of foreign extraction, men who 
understand the foreigner and in whom they, in turn, have confidence, 
we got into touch with the recognized leaders of foreign-speaking com- 
munities, men of undoubted patriotism, who had the foreign accent on 
their tongue but love for America in their hearts. Many patriotic meet- 
ings were held by foreigners under their own auspices and at their own 
expense. Needless to say, they received our enthusiastic support. Some 
of them were attended by thousands of participants and members of this 
committee were repeatedly among the speakers at these occasions. 

"The end of the war brought an end to our Americanization work, fol- 
lowed soon after by the dissolution of the State Council. At our final 
meeting, in December, 1918, we reviewed the work we had done. Our joy 
at the victorious termination of the great war was mingled with a little 
regret that, more than likely, all organized Americanization work would 
thereby also find its termination. We were convinced that it ought not 
to stop, but should be carried on with increased vigor, as a regular func- 
tion of government. The session of the legislature being near at hand, 
we drew a bill looking toward the continuation of Americanization activi- 
ties, and the state Council, at its last plenary session, gave this bill its 
unqualified and unanimous approval. It was introduced as house bill 
No. 4, passed by the house but failed to pass the senate; but house bill 
No. 3, relating to instruction in public, private and parochial schools, 
and providing for the enforcernent thereof, was passed by the house and 
senate. This compelled the use of the English language in public schools 
exclusively as the medium of instruction. 

House bill No. 80, which may be in part a result of the Public Rela- 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 73 

tions Committee, provided that children should be sent to schools where 
all instruction shall be given in the English language only. 

The w^ork thus- far noted in Americanization covered one aspect of the 
question only, and had to do with the attempt to bring people of foreign 
birth and of foreign speech now resident in Kansas to a thorough realiza- 
tion of their duty as American citizens, and to discourage the use of 
any language except English. The matter of Americanization was 
taken up in a different form by the extension division of the University 
of Kansas. A report of the acting director of that division on Ameri- 
canization follows: 

"Inquiry was made of the state council of defense in each state of 
the Union and the District of Columbia concerning the restrictions in 
the use of foreign languages in schools and church services. To these 
inquiries twenty replies were received, representing nineteen states and 
the District of Columbia. Of these replies five indicated that no action 
had been taken by the state as a whole, although various county and 
local units were cooperating to abolish, through educational propaganda, 
the use of foreign languages in both the schools and churches. In two 
states the use of any language other than English in schools or churches 
was prohibited by the proclamation of the governor, exceptions being 
made for the teaching of foreign languages in schools and the holding 
of special church services for older people who were unable to under- 
stand English. 

"In three states the use of any foreign language in schools and 
churches was prohibited by orders of the state council of defense under 
authority vested in them by the legislature. In nine other states and 
the District of Columbia resolutions were passed by the state council of 
defense requesting the discontinuance of the use of German and other 
foreign languages in public and parochial schools and all church services, 
and further requested the cooperation of all citizens and organizations 
in the state carrying out the provisions of these resolutions. 

"Data was collected concerning the use of foreign languages in schools 
(both public and parochial) and churches within the state of Kansas. 
Inquiry was also made concerning the number of towns which had com- 
menced alien education in cooperation with the Bureau of Naturalization. 
Twenty-eight places, including cities of the first, second and third classes, 
had already undertaken definite work of this kind. Other cities were 
encouraged to organize classes for foreign-speaking residents." 

The following resolution was passed by the Kansas State Council of 
Defense: 

"The English language shall be the only medium of instruction in all 
schools in Kansas, from the kindergarten to the eighth grade, inclusive, 
w'ith the provision that in the case of recent immigrants, or for other in- 
surmountable difficulties, exception to a limited degree may be made fol- 
lowing application to the State Council of Defense. Upon application 
the Committee on Public Relations will investigate through its agent 
such application and make recommendation to the State Council of De- 
fense to what extent, if any, exception shall be made." 

In furthering the Americanization work in the state, the University 
extension division has conducted the following activities: Classes for 
adult foreigners were organized in Kansas City, Kan., in cooperation with 
the Kansas City, Kan., chamber of commerce and board of education. 
Eleven classes were organized, with an average enrollment of fourteen 
members, three of the classes enrolling both men and women. 

A representative of the extension division visited many city and 
county school superintendents and Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. secre- 



74 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

taries in the eastern and southern parts qf the state to increase the in- 
terest in Americanization classes and to organize the forces and agencies 
for the promotion and extension of Americanization work, including, with 
the formal class work, public-discussion groups and community centers. 
To further the development of this woi-k Prof. T. J. Smart was appointed 
to the faculty of the extension division as community adviser. His work 
has been largely the development of the indirect forces for adult educa- 
tion and Americanization. 

II. The oversight of organizations seeking to secure war funds in 
Kansas was a matter of comparatively small moment, for the reason that 
the armistice was signed soon after this work of oversight was organized. 
The extension division of the University took charge of the details of this 
work. The report of the acting director on Agencies soliciting war funds 
follows : 

"By action of the State Council of Defense, every agency soliciting 
war funds in Kansas was required to secure an endorsement card from 
the Council of Defense. This card, sample of which is attached, was 
granted to organizations filing an application schedule on the attached 
form. Such a card was granted to the America's Allies Cooperative Com- 
mittee. Applications, together with information called for, were sub- 
mitted by the following organizations: Fatherless Children of France, 
Belgian Soldiers' Charities. The armistice and early termination of the 
activities of the State Council of Defense made it unnecessary to issue 
the endorsement cards." 

In addition to the work already outlined the chairman of the Commit- 
tee on Public Relations joined with others in making war addresses at 
various points in the state to develop the feeling of loyalty in support of 
the war. Some of these addresses were made at the University of Kansas 
in Lawrence, others in Topeka, Council Grove, Minneapolis, Beloit, and 
in high-school commencement addresses at Fort Scott, Columbus, Ness 
City, and other places. This work was done partly under the direction of 
Prof. Walter Burr, of the State Agricultural College, at Manhattan, 



KANSAS PRIORITY BOARD. 

On September 19, 1918, Governor Arthur Capper, on request of the 
War Industries Board, appointed H. J. Waters, chairman, George H. 
Hodges, W. C. Edwards and Henry Bennett, as members of the Priority 
Board of the State Council of Defense to pass upon all applications for 
projected buildings in Kansas. This was to save labor and material 
through the discouraging of nonessential building, the rulings of the 
Kansas board being subject to review and approval of the non-war con- 
struction section of the War Industries Board, at Washington, before be- 
coming effective. 

The Kansas board held its first meeting at Wichita, October 3, 1918, 
and selected J. C. Mohler to act as its secretary. All interested parties 
were invited to this meeting, and a general discussion of the operation of 
the priority board was entered into. The board determined upon its pro- 
gram in regard to approving permits, as follows: 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 75 

That the board meet regularly on the first and third Saturdays of each 
month, at 10:30 a. m., at Topeka, in the office of the secretary of the State 
Council of Defense, it being specifically understood that the Wichita 
meeting on the 3d of October was to take the place of the first Saturday 
meeting in that month. 

That all aggregate amounts relating to the cost of buildings include 
both labor and materials. 

That no applications or permits be required for repairs of or exten- 
sions to existing buildings involving in the aggregate a cost not exceed- 
ing $2,500 and new constructions for farm purposes only involving in the 
aggregate a cost not exceeding $1,000. 

That applications will be required for proposed buildings exceeding 
the amounts in the preceding paragraph, or for other purposes. 

That all applications in each county must be made to the chairman of 
the county council. The county chairman shall append his recommenda- 
tion to applications and forward to the priorities board, state house, 
Topeka. 

That county chairmen be requested to thoroughly investigate all ap- 
plications. 

That all applications must contain full details as to the reasons for the 
proposed construction, as well as complete detailed estimate of cost, and 
be attested under oath. 

That where a substantial portion of the building has already been con- 
structed, manufacturers and distributors of and dealers in building ma- 
terials may continue to furnish such materials for the completion of such 
buildings, pending further action of the board. 

That all applications up to $3,000 for barns on farms be approved. 

That all applications up to $5,000 for dwellings in country or city be 
approved. 

That no applications for barns in cities be approved. 

That applications not to exceed $1,000 for garages in cities be ap- 
proved. 

That no applications for building commercial or public garages be 
approved. 

That applications for silos or constructions for conserving and pro- 
tecting foodstuffs, and for sheds for sheltering live stock and machinery, 
for whatever amounts, be approved. 

That applications for materials for constructions for the development 
and production of oil be approved, except that no building for the storage 
of oil be approved. 

That Henry Bennett, of Topeka, be named vice chairman of the state 
Priority Board, and be vested with authority to approve on behalf of the 
board all applications submitted properly in due form, not exceeding the 
amounts specified in the foregoing provisions. 

That all other applications be passed upon by the board as a whole in 
its regular sessions on the first and third Saturdays of each month, at 
Topeka. 

That where the farmer or other applicant does the building work him- 
self, or with his own help, he is entitled to purchase materials to the full 
amounts allowed. 



76 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Three meetings were held, at which about 130 applications were con- 
sidered, including residences, hotels, hospitals, schools, mills and elevators, 
barns and garages. Applications were also received for permits to com- 
plete buildings already under construction and repairing old buildings. 
Of the 130 applications considered, 110 were rejected. Many other appli- 
cations which conformed to the board's adopted policy were approved by 
the vice chairman, under authority vested in him by the board, between 
the stated meetings. 

Ten days after the armistice was signed the War Industries Board, on 
November 21, officially gave notice of removal of all restrictions in force 
on construction projects of every kind, and the work of the state Priority 
Board was thus brought to an end after an existence of about two months. 



COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL HYGIENE. 

S. J. Crumbine, Chairman. 

The Committee on Social Hygiene of the State Council of Defense was 
created on March 29, 1918, at a special session of the State Council of 
Defense. The committee named by the president was as follows : Dr. 
S. J. Crumbine, chairman; Rev. S. S. Estey, Ph.D., Rev. Edmund J. 
Kulp, and Mr. C. E. St. John, assistant state superintendent of public 
instruction. 

The Committee on Social Hygiene recommended the following state 
plan, which was unanimously adopted by the executive committee of the 
Council of Defense: 

First: The object of the entire campaign is the education and de- 
velopment of the moral sense of the people of our state with regard to 
the needs of the soldiers in our cantonments and the moral situation in 
our communities. To secure such an education we suggest the following: 

(a) The governor's proclamation, requesting the churches to observe 
a social hygiene Sunday throughout the state. 

(b) The creation of a department of social hygiene in the State Coun- 
cil of Defense, with a committee in each county, consisting of a chair- 
man of the county committee of the State Council of Defense, two preach- 
ers, one teacher, two physicians, and one business man. 

(c) The creation of committees in each community in the state, as 
follows: (1) Educational: (a) Provide lectures; (6) distribute litera- 
ture. (2) Recreational: Provide proper opportunities and facilities. 
(3) Crystallize public sentiment looking toward legislative control. That 
a school or church be used as the community center in organizing the 
community. County lines should not be regarded, but the natural com- 
munity lines followed. 

(d) The legislative control sought should embrace the following: (1) 
Statutory requirements for the reporting of venereal diseases by physi- 
cians and druggists. (2) Establishment of laboratories for diagnosing 
venereal diseases. (3) The free distribution of Salvarsan. (4) The isola- 
tion and treatment of infected prostitutes. 

Accordingly the Governor issued a proclamation for Social Hygiene 
Sunday on April 11, 1918, which proclamation reads as follows: 

"The war has made it necessary for the nation to face frankly the 
problem of social diseases. The failure of the European nations to 
recognize the seriousness of this problem early in the war has resulted 
in the withdrawal from the fighting line hundreds of thousands of troops 



Historij of Kansas Council of Defense. 77 

who have become incapacitated for service because of these diseases, 
with a correspondingly widespread infection among the civilian popula- 
tion. 

"To prevent such conditions in the United States, a vigorous cam- 
paign against these diseases is being waged in the army. But this is 
not enough, for conditions in the army depend largely, if not entirely, 
on conditions in the civilian communities. Throughout the war men will 
be constantly going from civil life into army life. The education of all 
the people is therefore essential. 

"Much of this disease is due to the fact that men generally are ig- 
norant regarding its origin, its persistence, its effect in later life and its 
effect on the innocent members of society. At the joint suggestion of 
the War and Navy Departments and the Council of National Defense, 
a plan for a state-wide educational campaign in social hygiene was ini- 
tiated, which has received the indorsement of the Kansas State Council 
of Defense. This plan includes the proclamation of a Social Hygiene 
Sunday to be observed throughout the state. 

"Therefore, upon the request of the War and Navy Departments and 
of the Council of National Defense, I, Arthur Capper, governor of the 
state of Kansas, do hereby designate as Social Hygiene Sunday the 28th 
day of April, 1918, and request that the pastors of the churches of the 
various denominations throughout the state observe this date by preach- 
ing appropriate sermons on social hygiene and inaugurate such educa- 
tional and recreational activities in the various communities as will meet 
the social needs therefor. 

"All public officers and citizens of the state are called upon to em- 
ploy every means possible for the repression of prostitution and com- 
mercialized vice. 

"In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused 
to be affixed the great seal of the state of Kansas. Done at Topeka, the 
capitol, this 11th day of April, A. D. 1918." 

The educational and legislative program was generally carried out. 

A division of venereal disease was established in the state department 
of health. A Wasserman laboratory for the diagnosing of venereal dis- 
ease was established in the school of medicine of the University of Kan- 
sas, at Rosedale. The free distribution of arsphenamine has been car- 
ried forward according to original design, and the isolation and treat- 
ment of infected prostitutes at the State Industrial Farm for Women, at 
Lansing, has been an accomplished fact. 

County councils of defense were called upon to provide lectures to 
soldiers assembled in their respective counties before their departure for 
the training camps. A large quantity of literature and public lectures 
relating to venereal disease prevention and control was thus furnished 
Kansas soldiers before leaving their home communities. 

Altogether it can be said that the program of the state committee 
in cooperation vdth the State Board of Health, of which the chairman of 
the executive committee is the executive head, has been fully realized. 



November 17, 1919. 
State Council of Defense, Care of Governor's Office, State Capitol, 
Topeka, Kan.: 

My Dear Sir — In arranging records or histories of the war activities 
carried on by your state, I should like to call to your attention the follow- 
ing comments which have been received from Surgeon General Rupert 
Blue, U. S. Public Health Service: 



78 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

"Officers and employees of the Public Health Service rendered very 
valuable assistance during the entire period of the war, and should be 
entitled to credit therefor on all records that are kept of war service by 
various organizations. 

"In accordance with executive order of the President, dated April 3, 
1917, the personnel of the Public Health Service was made a part of the 
military establishment. A copy of this letter is attached hereto. There 
is also attached a copy of Reprint No. 531, 'War Activities of the United 
States Public Health Service,' in which you will find set forth some of 
the activities upon which the Public Health Service was engaged during 
the war." 

If you are not preparing such a history, may I ask that you place this 
communication in the hands of the agency which is responsible for the 
activity in your state. Yours sincerely, 

Herbert N. Shenton, 

Chief of Division. 

Treasury Department, 
Bureau of the Public Health Service, 
Washington, April 6, 1917. 

Bureaii Circular Letter No. 109. 

Commissioned Medical Officers, U. S. Public Health Service, and others 
concerned : 
Your attention is directed to the following executive order : 
"Under the authority of the act of Congress, approved July 1, 1902, 
and subject to the limitations therein expressed, it is ordered that here- 
after in times of threatened or actual war the Public Health Service 
shall constitute a part of the military forces of the United States, and in 
times of threatened or actual war, the Secretary of the Treasury may, 
upon request of the Secretary of War or the Secretary of the Navy, de- 
tail officers or employees of said service for duty either with the army 
or the navy. All the stations of the Public Health Service are hereby 
made available for the reception of sick and wounded officers and men, 
or for such other purposes as shall promote the public interest in con- 
nection with military operations. Woodrow Wilson. 
"The White House, April 3, 1917." 

Rupert Blue, Surgeon-general. 



SPEAKERS' BUREAU OF STATE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE.* 

Walter BrRR, Chairman. 

One of the most important agencies in arousing and keeping alive 
public sentiment during the war and vitalizing all organizations in sup- 
port of the war was the Speakers' Bureau of the State Council of 
Defense. It was organized for the specific purpose of promoting the 
family enrollment campaign of October 21 to November 5, 1917. 

Dr. H. J. Waters, president of the Kansas Council of Defense, was also 
Federal food administrator for the state, and while the Speakers' Bureau 
was organized for the assistance of all war work institutions it had a 
close and intimate relationship with the food administration of the 
Federal government. Not only in the control of the food supply, but 
in other activities, the Speakers' Bureau had a direct connection with 
the activities of the Federal government. 

* See "Speakers' Bureau of Kansas Council of Defense," by Walter Burr. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 79 

Perhaps the three most active members of this bureau were Dean 
E. C. Johnson, chairman, of Manhattan; Walter Burr, secretary, of Man- 
hattan; and F. R. Hamilton, from the extension department of the Uni- 
versity, at Lawrence. 

During the campaign for family enrollment, speaking engagements 
were made from the district office in Kansas City, Mo., for twenty-five 
speakers who presented 161 addresses in an area fairly well covering 
the larger part of the state of Kansas. These addresses were given to 
large and enthusiastic audiences, who were thoroughly aroused to the 
necessity of making important sacrifices in order to win the war. 

History shows that Kansas was the first among the states in the num- 
ber of enrollments and in the number of places visited by speakers sent 
out by the Speakers' Bureau. 

In November, 1917, the Committee on Public Information of the 
National Council of Defense perfected a speaking division, which sent 
out to chairmen of state councils of defense that a speakers' bureau be 
established to cooperate with the national body. Using the Kansas 
Speakers' Bureau for a basis, the president of the state Council per- 
fected this Speakers' Bureau. 

After the resignation of Dr. H. J. Waters as food administrator, 
Walter P. Innes was appointed to take his place, and the Speakers' 
Bureau cooperated with him in the conservation of food in the state of 
Kansas. 

At about the same time the chairman of the Women's Division of the 
National Council, at Washington, desired the chairman, Mrs. D. W. 
Mulvane, to name an educational committee. In order to further war 
activities she named the members of the Speakers' Bureau as such 
committee. Thus the Speakers' Bureau became the central educational 
agency, not only in the state of Kansas, but functioning with the Council 
of National Defense in Washington. 

Quoting from the report of E. C. Johnson, chairman of the Speakers' 
Bureau: 

"The first important act of the Speakers' Bureau was to bring the 
Kansas war workers together in a big war conclave at Topeka, January 
17 and 18, 1918. Leaders from the State Council of Defense sent out 
to their clientele letters of personal invitation, asking each one to ac- 
knowledge the invitation at once, and let nothing prevent an acceptance. 
Those who sent out such invitations were the president of the State 
Council of Defense, the dean of extension in the State Agricultural Col- 
lege, the director of extension in the State University, the fuel adminis- 
trator for Kansas, the food administrator for Kansas, and the secretary 
of the organization of Kansas municipalities. Gov. Arthur Capper sent 
an official appointment as delegate to each one thus invited. As a result 
there were registered in attendance at this conference from outside the 
city of Topeka more than 700 delegates, representing every section of 
the state. 

"A program to emphasize every phase of Kansas war activities and 
participation in the war had been prepared by the Speakers' Bureau, in 
which noted men and women of the state and nation took part. The 
conference was signally honored by the presence of the attorney-general 
of Great Britain, whose soul-stirring address on the participation and 
unity of purpose of England, France, Italy and the United States in 



80 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

the war of liberation for all nations will long be remembered and 
treasured in the hearts of those present. The program in full as pre- 
sented follows: 

KANSAS WAR CONFERENCE. 

PROGRAM. 

TJviirsday Forenoon, January 17. 

10:00 Business meeting of Kansas State Council of Defense with chair- 
men of county councils. 

Thursday Afternoon, January 17. 

2:30 Meeting called to order by the governor of Kansas. 

Invocation, Dr. Wilbur N. Mason, of the State Board of Adminis- 
tration. 
Address, Gov. Arthur Capper. 
"Training Our National Army," by an officer of the National 

army. 
Training Camp Activities: 

"Inside the Camps," E. B. Pratt, general secretary Y. M. C. A., 

Camp Funston. 
"Outside the Camps," F. B. Barnes, district representative of 
the Training Camp Activities Commission, in charge Camp 
Funston and Fort Leavenworth districts. 
"The Home Guard," Adjutant General Charles S. Huffman, 
Topeka. 

Thursday Evening, January 1 7. 

Gov. Aethue Capper, presiding. 

7:30 Address, Dr. George E. Vincent. 

Address, Miss Harriet Vittum, Chicago, Woman's Division of 

Illinois. 
Address, Sir Frederick E. Smith, attorney-general of Great 

Britain. 

Friday Forenoon, January 18. 

Dr. E. J. KuLP, Topeka, presiding. 

9:00 "Kansas Fuel Administration," Hon. Emerson Carey, Hutchinson, 
Federal fuel administrator for Kansas. 

"Kansas Food Administration," Hon. Walter P. Innes, Wichita, 
Federal food administrator for Kansas. 

"Federal Food Administration," Dr. Alonzo E. Taylor, Washing- 
ton, member Inter-allied War Conference at Paris. 

Friday Afternoon, January 18. 
Dean B. C. Johnson, presiding. 

2:30 "War Time Savings," Hon. Peter Goebel, in charge of War Time 
Saving campaign for Kansas. 
"War Service on the Farm," H. M. Hill, La Fontaine, Kan. 
"The Labor Situation on the Farm," E. E. Frizell, Larned, Kan. 
Address, Hon. S. M. Brewster, attorney-general for Kansas. 

Friday Evening, Januury 18. 
Dr. H. J. Waters, chairman Kansas State Council of Defense, presiding. 

8:00 "Readjustments in Education to Meet War Emergencies," Chan- 
cellor Frank Strong, State University. 

"Readjustments in Public Schools as a Result of the War," Supt. 
W. D. Ross, Topeka. 

"Price Fixing," Dr. Thomas Nixon Carver, Harvard University. 

"Universal Service Through the Red Cross," Hon. Henry J. Allen, 
Wichita. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 81 

SECTIONAL PROGRAMS. 

5:30 p.m. Dinner conferences, Thursday and Friday. 

Thursday. 
Food Production and Conservation Section. 

Secretary J. C. Mohlee, State Board of Agriculture and Council of Defense, presiding. 

"What Kansas Should Do in 1918 in Food Production," Dean Wm. Jar- 
dine, Kansas State Agricultural College, chairman Committee on Ag- 
riculture, State Council of Defense. 

"The Basis of Price Interpretation," State Food Administrator Walter 
P. Innes, Wichita. 

"Food Conservation and Substitution," Mary Pierce "Van Zile, dean of 
Home Economics, Kansas State Agricultural College. 

War Education Section. 

Edw. C. Johnson, chairman Speakers' Bureau of the Kansas State Council of Defense 
and Federal Food Administration for Kansas, presiding. 

"Coordinating Speakers' Campaigns," Arthur E. Betser, Speakers' Bu- 
reau of Council of National Defense. 

"An Educational War Program," Dr. H. J. Waters, chairman Kansas 
State Council of Defense. 

"How the Church Can Help in the War Program," Dr. E. J. Kulp, pastor 
First Methodist Church, Topeka. 

"The Service of the Four-Minute Men," Hon. Mac Martin, National Four- 
minute Men Movement. 

"Local Four-minute Service," Walter A. Johnson, chairman Four-minute 
Men, Topeka. 

Red Cro'ss and Women's Division, Council of Defense. 
Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, presiding. 

"The Work of the Women's Division of a State Council," Miss Harriet 
Vittum, Chicago. 

"Plans for the Home Economics Division," Mary Pierce Van Zile, Man- 
hattan. 

"Practical Suggestions in Child Welfare for the War Period," Dr. Lydia 
Allen DeVilbiss, chief of Child Hygiene, State Board of Health, Topeka. 

"Women's War Service in Industrial Centers," Miss Linna E. Bresette, 
secretary State Welfare Commission. 

"Women's Work in the Camps," Miss Winifred Wygall. 

Reports of organizations of women engaged in war work. 

Friday. 

War-time School Activities Section. 

W. H. JOHNSOX, president State Teachers' Association, presiding. 

"The Public Schools," State Supt. W. D. Ross, Topeka. 

"The Normal Schools," President Thomas W. Butcher, Emporia. 

"The University and State Agricultural College," Director F. R. Hamil- 
ton, Lawrence. 

"Meeting the War Time Demand for Teachers," Dean F. J. Kelly, Law- 
rence. 

Council of Defense Section. 

Dr. H. J. Waters, president of the Kansas State Council of Defense, presiding. 

"The Scope of the Work of the Council of National Defense," Hon. 

Guerney E. Newlin, Washington, D. C. 
"The Work of County Councils of Defense in Western Kansas," Dr. W. 

A. Lewis, Hays, vice president Kansas State Council of Defense for 

the sixth district. 

6 — C. Def. — 5487 



82 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

"The Duties of a County Chairman," C. C. Russell, Garnett, county chair- 
man Anderson county. 

"The Community Council in War Service," Walter Burr, secretary 
Speakers' Bureau, Kansas State Council of Defense. 

War Savings Section. 

Governor Abtklte Capper, presiding. 

"A War Savings Program for Kansas," Peter W. Goebel, Kansas City, 

Chairman War Savings Committee for Kansas. 
"The Kansas Banker and the Savings Program," Walter Wilson, To- 

peka, state bank commissioner. 

County Fuel Administration Section. 
Emerson Carey, Federal Fuel Administrator for Kansas, presiding. 

"State Fuel Situation," Emerson Carey, Hutchinson, fuel administrator. 
"Handling the Fuel Situation in a County," county chairmen. 

"The state v^^ar conference so stirred and inspired the leaders w^ho 
v/ere in attendance that there arose at once a demand to have similar 
conferences throughout the state. The State Council of Defense dele- 
gated to the Speakers' Bureau the task of arranging for them. Twelve 
war conferences, each of two days' duration, were planned in cities so 
chosen as to accommodate every section of the state, as follows : Horton, 
Ottawa, Council Grove, Clay Center, Salina, Downs, Colby, Scott City, 
Dodge City, El Dorado, Pratt, and Parsons. 

"These conferences were honored by the presence of speakers from 
official Washington, who rendered splendid service. In addition, this, the 
middle of the Middle West, has local speakers — men and women who do 
not know the meaning of 'apathy' v/hen the nation's welfare is at stake. 
Following are the names of some of this group who were scheduled on the 
programs of the war conferences: Dr. H. J. Waters, Kansas City; Dr. A. 
M. Brodie, Wichita; Mr. C. E. Pyle, Parsons; Dean E. C. Johnson, Man- 
hattan; Mr. E. E. Frizell, Larned; Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, Topeka; Chan- 
cellor Frank Strong, Lawrence; President Thomas W. Butcher, Em- 
poria; President W. M. Jardine, Manhattan; Mr. P. W. Goebel, Kansas 
City; Mr. Emerson Carey, Hutchinson; Director F. R. Hamilton, Law- 
rence; Dr. E. J. Kulp, Topeka; Mr. Will S. Thompson, Hutchinson, and 
Secretary J. C. Mohler, Topeka. 

"The Federal Food Administration sent into the state for this series 
of conferences six speakers. These formed two teams of three persons 
each. The tour of the team composed of Hon. Roscoe Mitchell, special 
commissioner to England and France, Prof. Sherman Davis, and Miss 
Elizabeth Kelly, of the Federal Food Administration, was managed by 
Mr. C. C. Iseley, of Cimarron. The tour of the team composed of Dr. 
R. L. Wilbur, president of Leland Stanford University and first assistant 
to Herbert Hoover, Hon. Everett Colby, special commissioner to England 
and France, and Miss Cora E. Binzel of the Federal Food Administration, 
was managed by Rev. Wm. F. Harding, of Marion. Mr. Harding and Mr. 
Iseley worked untiringly for the success of the conferences and in certain 
instances where out-of-state speakers were incapacitated or belated these 
gentlemen, who were otherwise the conductors of the 'tours,' creditably 
took their places on the program. 

"Lieut. Paul Perigord, of the French army, representing the French 
High Commission to the United States, addressed the conferences at all 
but two of these points." 

The success of the conferences and the enthusiasm and approval of 
the crowds that met the speakers from Washington at last convinced the 
nation that the so-called "apathy of the Middle West" did not exist in 
reality. At these conferences the speakers dwelt upon the causes of the 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 83 

war, its history, the food needs of the allies, and the relation of the United 
States to the war. While much of this talk was a repetition and some- 
what monotonous to those in the war service, it nevertheless served not 
only to arouse enthusiasm but caused the people of the state to take a 
deeper grip upon the war situation. 

The practical results of these conferences were observed too in the 
economy of food, the development of production, and the expression of a 
willingness of the people to sacrifice everything necessary for the winning 
of the v/ar. 

Immediately following these big conferences the educational propa- 
ganda went on with greater impulse. The Speakers' Bureau issued a 
handbook entitled "Community Action in a Government at War." About 
250 volunteer speakers were secured and booked throughout the state. 
These speakers visited more than one thousand communities and helped 
to "keep the home fires burning" in over 99 out of the 105 counties in 
the state. Mere than three hundred thousand people of the state of 
Kansas attended these community meetings. Meetings were held not 
only in the town halls and churches of the larger towns, but in the school- 
houses of the rural communities. * Any speaker who could project sud- 
denly upon the imaginations of men the picture of "licking the kaiser" 
would receive an uproarious burst of enthusiasm. 

During the war the Speakers' Bureau, being in close cooperation with 
the authorities at Washington, was able to schedule speaking engage- 
ments for a number of distinguished representatives sent out from head- 
quarters. Among these were Major Robert S. Massie, of the Canadian 
army; Sergeant Lewis S. Blythe, one of Pershing's volunteers from 
France; Capt. R. Muir Allan, of the British army; Lieut. Bruno Rosselli, 
of the Italian army, and Lieut. Paul Perigord, mentioned before. 

Upon the whole the Speakers' Bureau rendered a tremendous service to 
the cause of winning the war, due largely to the energetic members of the 
bureau and the volunteer speakers, some of whom spent a large part of 
their time in the field. Notable among the volunteer speakers were Wil- 
liam Harding, of Marion; C. C. Iseley, of Cimmaron; Rev. A. S. Hale of 
Lincoln; and Rev. J. P. Clark, of Oberlin. The following is the list of the 
Kansas volunteer war speakers serving in one or more meetings : 

Rev. A. G. Alexander, Coldwater. Mr. John S. Bird, Hays. 

Mr. S. S. Alexander, Kingman. Mr. H. E. Birdsong, Emporia. 

Mr. C. E. AUderdice, Coldwater. Rev. Jas. P. Blackledge, Onaga. 

Rev. G. R. Anderson, Cherryvale. Dean P. W. Blackmar, University of Kansas. 

Rev. George F. Armington, Salina. Rev. J. M. Bolton, Culver. 

Rev. Carl G. Aue, Emporia. Rev. W. Roy Bradley, Madison. 

Rev. W. G. Baker, Kinsley. President W. A. Brandenburg, State Manual 

Rev. Wm. M. Balch, Keodesha. Training Normal, Pittsburg. 

Rev. A. M. Barker, Cherryvale. Mr. C. C. Brannon, Fontana. 

Rev. Joel A. Barker, Osawatomie. Mr. A. L. Breakie, Pawnee Rock. 

Prof. E. R. Barrett, Emporia. Mrs. Winifred Breakey, Burlington. 

Rev. J. E. Bartholomew, Clyde. ■ Attorney-general S. M. Brewster, Topeka. 

Mr. Samuel E. Bartlett, Ellsworth. Rev. Edward Bridwell, Delphos. 

Rev. James R. Beard, Downs. Rev. James M. Briggs, Ransom. 

Rev. Samuel Beese, Offerle. Rev. T. M. Brimlow, Logan. 

Rev. J. C. Beitel, Wichita. Mr. F. W. Brinkerhoff, Pittsburg. 

Rev. F. B. Beltz, Culver. Dr. A. M. Brodie, Wichita. 



84 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



Rev. F. Ban- Brown, Marysville. 

Rev. U. S. Brown, Norton. 

Rev. J. E. Bryan, Cottonwood Falls. 

Mr. C. W. Bureh, Salina. 

Prof. Don. L. Burk, Kansas State 

Agricultural College, Manhattan. 
Rev. W. V. Burns, Great Bend. 
Mrs. W. V. Burns, Great Bend. 
Rev. Robert D. Bussey, Muscotah. 
President Thomas W. Butcher, Kansas 

State Normal, Emporia. 
Mr. Henry L. Carey, Dodge City. 
Rev. John A. Carlson, Clay Center. 
Mr. Byrd H. Clark, Erie. 
Rev. Chester M. Clark, Pittsburg. 
Rev. George P. Clark, Randall. 
Rev. J. P. Clark, Oberlin. 
Mr. F. W. Coleman, Oskaloosa. 
Superintendent M'Edna Corbet, Topeka. 
Mr. J. D. Curtis, Yates Center. 
Rev. Claude K. Davis, Harper. 
Mr. O. W. Dawson, Great Bend. 
Mr. C. S. Denison, Pittsburg. 
Dr. Lydia Allen DeVilbiss, State Board of 

Health, Topeka. 
Rev. Paul M. Dinsmore, Clay Center. 
Rev. Wilbert E. Dull, Lenora. 
Rev. Wm. M. Dye, Overbrook. 
Miss Helen N. Backer, Lawrence. 
Rev. Wm. Eldien, Leonardville. 
Rev. A. S. Embree, Topeka. 
Rev. Father Emmeram, Herndon. 
Rev. J. Carroll Everett, Paola. 
Rev. P. C. Everitt, Osborne. 
Mr. Albert Faulconer, Arkansas City. 
Rev. A. D. Faupell, Glade. 
Rev. Edw. Fickinger, Greenleaf. 
Mr. C. W. Fielder, Wilson. 
Mrs. J. B. Fields, Alma. 
Rev. S. M. Finch, Buffalo. 
Rev. S. A. Fisher, Harlan. 
Rev. Harry Fleisher, Long Island. 
Rev. R. E. Fleming, Fredonia. 
Rev. A. D. Folker, County Agricultural 

Agent, Topeka. 
Mr. H. H. Fowler, Erie. 
Rev. J. W. Frame, Kendall. 
Superintendent H. I. French, El Dorado. 
Rev. W. L. Fry, Ellis. 
Rev. N. S. Gardner, Dighton. 
Rev. E. E. Gale, McDonald. 
Rev. W. M. Gardner, Arkansas City. 
Mrs. H. O. Garvey, Topeka. 
Mr. Leo T. Gibbens, Scott City. 
Rev. C. E. Gilligan, St. Paul. 
Rev. E. H. Given, Topeka. 
Rev. Harry A. Gordon, Fort Scott. 
Rev. A. L. Goudy, Partridge. 
Rev. C. P. Granere, Clifton. 
Rev. S. H. Gray, Neosho Falls. 
Mr. Harry C. Green, Topeka. 



Mr. H. C. Gresham, Parker. 

Mr. Jas. H. Guy, Topeka. 

Rev. A. S. Hale, Lincoln. 

Director F. R. Hamilton, Lawrence. 

Rev. William C. Hanson, Lenexa. 

Rev. E. O. Harbour, Republic City. 

Rev. Wm. F. Harding, Marion. 

Rev. E. W. Harrison, Wilsey. 

Rev. Joseph H. Harvey, Pittsburg. 

Rev. Henry J. Hassard, Cedarvale. 

Rev. L. V. Hassell, Woodston. 

Rev. A. A. Pledges, Dighton. 

Rev. Father Henry, Plainville. 

Rev. J. E. Henshaw, Newton. 

Rev. Hubert C. Herring, Wichita. 

Rev L. C. Hicks, Scandia. 

Rev. J. Sherman Hill, Paola. 

Rev. O. K. Hobson, Frankfort. 

Rev. V. L. Hodson, Lucas. 

Rev. C. E. Holcombe, Valley Falls. 

Rev. John A. Holmes, Burns. 

Mr. C. M. Holmquist, Hays. 

Prpf. E. L. Holton, Kansas State Agricultural 

College, Manhattan. 
Miss Catherine A. Huffman, Enterprise. 
Rev. L. E. Humphrey, Hoxie. 
Superintendent G. H. Hower, Lincoln. 
Mr. C. C. Isely, Cimarron. 
Mr. J. W. Isely, Dodge City. 
Rev. Frank D. Jackson, Alma. 
Mr. J. T. Jarrell, Topeka. 
Mr. Geo. A. Jeffrey, Wichita. 
Rev. Frank Jennings, Lawrence. 
Rev. G. E. Jennison, Penalosa. 
Mr. Chas. F. Johnson, Leonardville. 
Dean E. C. Johnson, Kansas State 

Agricultural College, Manhattan. 
Rev. D. J. M. Jones, Topeka. 
Rev. J. Herbert Jones, Topeka. 
Mr. O. A. Joneson, Cherryvale. 
Prof. J. E. Kammeyer, Kansas State 

Agricultural College, Manhattan. 
Mr. J. M. Keegan, Great Bend. 
Mr. Charles G. Kelly, Langdon. 
Rev. W. E. Kelly, Harper. 
Rev. S. E. Kennedy, Leavenworth. 
Professor H. L. Kent, Kansas State 

Agricultural College, Manhattan. 
Rev. L. A. Kerr, Phillipsburg. 
Rev. Albion King, Winfield. 
Rev. C. F. Kilphart, Holton. 
Rev. P. B. Knepp, Effingham. 
Rev. E. J. Kulp, Topeka. 
Mr. B. R. Kungle, Macksville. 
Mr. L. J. Lamar, McFarland. 
Superintendent Genevieve Lancaster, 

Scott City. 
Mr. Walter A. Layton, Osborne. 
Mr. Chester Leasure, Hutchinson. 
Mr. J. Lewis, Hays. 
Superintendent W. H. Livers, Mankato. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



85 



Mrs. Cassie D. Livingston, Marion. 

Rev. S. H. Lough, Baldwin. 

Mr. E. E. McAferty, Robinson. 

Mr. E. A. MeParland, Lincoln. 

Rev. P. M. McDonald, Kensington. 

Mr. R. S. McGowen, Anthony. 

Prof. W. A. McKeever, Kansas University, 

Lavcrence. 
Rev. O. U. McProud, Axtell. 
Rev. D. B. McGee, Ellsworth. 
Rev. Father John Maher, Salina. 
Rev. A. M. Mahaffee, Severy. 
Rev. Prederick Maier, Caldwell. 
Rev. C. W. Marlin, Topeka. 
Rev. H. C. Marston, Jennings. 
Mr. J. T. Martin, Hanover. 
Rev. J. P. Martyn, Caney. 
Rev. J. M. Mason, Caney. 
Rev. H. B. Mayo, Beloit. 
Rev. George Brinton Mehl, La Harpe. 
Rev. Father Michael, Herndon. 
Rev. C. A. Miles, Florence. 
Superintendent J. W. Miley, Girard. 
Rev. Orley L. Miller, Centralia. 
Rev. C. H. Mitchell, Americus. 
Mrs. Hattie Moore Mitchell, Pittsburg. 
Rev. Otto M. Moelmer, Ludell. 
Rev. .J. Kansas Morgan, Prontenac. 
Rev. Willard H. Morgan, Lawrence. 
Mrs. W. Y. Morgan, Hutchinson. 
Rev. A. J. Morton, Seneca. 
Mr. E. R. Moses, Great Bend. 
Mr. J as. Mullin, Topeka. 
Rev. Kyle Murray, McCracken. 
Rev. Chas. A. Nash, Carbondale. 
Rev. T. A. Xichols, Oskaloosa. 
Rev. Aug. A. Norden, Scandia. ' 
Rev. 01. E. Olson, Burdick. 
Rev. Keal Overman, Augu.sta. 
Rev. E. M. Paddleford, Topeka. 
Mr. Lester Parker, Oberlin. 
Rev. A. W. Pannell, El Dorado. 
Rev. P. M. Peek, Valley Falls. 
Rev. Jas. P. Peden, Greensburg. 
Mr. C. E. Pile, Parsons. 
Rev. Father Placid, Atwood. 
Rev. Robert A. Potter, Towanda. 
Rev. Jas. M Powell, Salina. 
Mrs. Noble Prentis, Topeka. 
Rev. G. Jay Rhodes, Colony. 
Rev. James G. Roberts, Alton. 
Mrs. M. T. Roche, Clay Center. 
Rev. W. M. Rogers, Overbrook. 
Dr. Walter H. Rollins, President Pairmount 

College, Wichita. 
State Superintendent W. D. Ross, Topeka. 
Rev. O. N. Roth, Wichita. 
Rev. C. H. RufE, Burdett. 



Rev. R. G. Runge, Ludell. 

Judge J. C. Ruppenthal, Russell. 

Rev. A. L. Sampson, Strong City. 

Rev. W. E. Scott, Culver. 

Rev. W. A. Sharp, El Dorado. 

Rev. B. A. Silverthorne, Bronson. 

Rev. J. B. Sites, Atwood. 

Rev. P. G. Smith, Selden. 

Rev. James A. Smith, Concordia. 

Rev. L. R. Smith, Springhill. 

Mr. A. Solt, Holton. 

Rev. C. L. Sorg, Newton. 

Rev. L. R. South, Cherryvale. 

Rev. M. R. Starbuck, St. Francis. 

Mr. E. C. Steeper, McLouth. 

Rev. F. N. Stelson, Luray. 

Mr. Robert Stone, Topeka. 

Prof. V. L. Strickland, State Agricultural 

College, Manhattan. 
Chancellor Frank Strong, University of 

Kansas, Lawrence. 
Rev. J. H. Sutton, Whiting. 
Mr. H. C. Sweet, Stockton. 
Rev. W. W. Tait, Miltonvale. 
Mr. L. L. Taylor, Dodge City. 
Hon. Will S. Thompson, Hvitchinson. 
Rev. E. C. Thorpe, Lyndon. 
Rev. H. E. Toothaker, Ottawa. 
Rev. J. R. Treganza, St. Paul. 
Rev. L. B. Tremain, Solomon. 
Rev. G. Bennett Van Buskirk, Wathena. 
Rev. J. W. Van Dewalker, Washington. 
Rev. H. L. Virden, Winfield. 
Rev. Eli Walker, Stockton. 
Rev. A. E. Wardner, Hiawatha. 
Rev. W. T. Warnock, Mayfield. 
Rev. Frank Warren, Council Grove. 
Superintendent Charles R. Weeks, Hays. 
Rev. G. M. West, Frankfort. 
Rev. J. T. Wheeler, Spivey. 
Rev. John M. White, Goddard. 
Rev. R. A. White, Atwood. 
Rev. V. V. Whitsitt, Norcatur. 
Mrs. E. G. Wiekware, Earned. 
Rev. O. N. Wiles, Covert. 
Rev. Charles Williams, McDonald. 
Rev. J. E. Wilson, Pittsburg. 
Rev. I. A. Wilson, White City. 
Rev. F. M. Witham, Gem. 
Rev. B. C. Wolf, Kensington. 
Rev. H. W. Wolfe, Chardon. 
Rev. W. R. Woodward, Barnard. 
Rev. Ralph W. Wyrick, Bucklin. 
Mr. J. A. Yates, Pittsburg. 
Mr. W. J. Yeoman, Ness City. 
Mr. Andrew J. York, Peoria. 
Mr. Imri Zumwalt, Bonner Springs. 



86 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



THE SEED-WHEAT COMMITTEE. 

L. H. WuLrEKUHLEE, Chairman. 
Walter E. Wilson, Custodian. 
C. V. Topping, Secretary. 
T. D. Hammatt, Office Manager. 

MEMBERS. 

P. W. Goebel, Kansas City, Kan., President of tlie American Bankers' Association. 

Governor Arthur Capper, Topeka, Kan. 

Walter E. Wilson, State Bank Commissioner, Topeka, Kan. 

Henry Lassen, Wichita, Kan. 

Maurice McAuliffe, Salina, Kan., President of the Farmers' Union. 

T. B. Kennedy, Junction City, Kan., President of the Kansas Bankers' Association. 

T. J. Sweeney, Lawrence, Kan., President Kansas State Bankers' Association. 

H. J. Waters, President of the Kansas State Agricultural College, Manhattan, Kan. 

L. H. Wulfekuhler, Leavenworth, Kan. 

Early in the summer of 1917, following the harvesting of the small 
crop of wheat of that year, a demand developed for seed for the crop 
of 1918 from farmers who were without seed and were not in position 
to purchase seed in sufficient quantities to sow the increased acreages 
called for by the Federal government. 

To meet the situation a seed-wheat committee was appointed. This 
committee, acting under instructions from the Council of Defense, called 
for subscriptions to a fund to be used for the purchase of seed wheat to 
be loaned to farmers unable to secure seed otherwise, the charge being 
fixed at one-fifth of the crop harvested from such seed in 1918. 

The fund raised was $89,557.66, of which $71,280 was secured from 
miscellaneous sources and $18,277.66 through local committees in Gt&y, 
'Hodgeman and Rooks counties. 

The seed purchased, about 40,000 bushels, or enough to seed about 54,- 
000 acres, was distributed in the territory in which the demand was 
most urgent (Finney, Haskell, Ford, Meade, Hodgeman, Gray, Rooks, 
and Trego counties), through the following local agents of the seed- 
wheat committee, C. C. Isely, Cimarron; R. H. Wilson, Jetmore; F. M. 
Smith, Stockton; and W, C. P. Rhoades, Wa Keeney, men who served 
most efficiently and entirely without remuneration. 

The following were the rules adopted by the seed-wheat committee, 
under which the fund was distributed: 

RULES ADOPTED BY THE SEED-WHEAT COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL 
OF DEFENSE. 

The Kansas Council of Defense has created a state seed-wheat com- 
mittee, the persons constituting such committee being the following: P. 
W. Goebel, of Kansas City, Kan., president of the American Bankers' 
Association; Governor Arthur Capper, of Topeka, Kan.; Walter E. Wil- 
son, bank commissioner, Topeka, Kan.; Henry Lassen, of Wichita, Kan.; 
Maurice McAuliffe, of Salina, president of the Farmers' Union; T. B. 
Kennedy, of Junction City, president of the Kansas Bankers' Associa- 
tion; T. J. Sweeney, of Lawrence, president of the Kansas State Bank- 
ers' Association; H. J. Waters, president of the Kansas State Agricul- 
tural College; L. H. Wulfekuhler, of Leavenworth, Kan. 

1. The purpose for which such committee is created is to provide a 
fund with which to purchase seed wheat during the year of 1917 and to 
distribute the same to such county organizations as the committee may 
designate and which comply with these rules. 

2, The fund so created shall be known as the "crop-share fund." It 
shall be under the direct supervision of the state seed-wheat committee 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 87 

of the Council in conjunction with the state auditor as hereinafter pro- 
vided. The estimated amount to be secured for the fund is two million 
($2,000,000) dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary. 

3. The state bank commissioner is hereby designated as the trustee 
of this fund, the state treasurer as custodian, and the state auditor as 
the auditor of the fund. Should the present state bank commissioner or 
state treasurer or state auditor retire from his office, then his successor 
in office shall succeed him in the position as designated in this rule. 
Should the state bank commissioner at any time be unable to act as 
trustee his 'successor shall be named by a majority vote of the state 
seed-wheat committee. 

4. In case of any vacancy in the membership of the state seed-wheat 
committee the remaining members of such committee shall elect others 
to fill such vacancy. 

5. The state seed-wheat committee reserves the right to refuse or 
accept any funds subscribed, or make any distribution of seed wheat re- 
quested, or part thereof, as in its judgment may be best. 

6. In view of the fact that the subscriptions to this fund are volun- 
tary, it is agreed by the parties who subscribe thereto, or who derive 
benefit therefrom, that the committee shall not be liable personally, ex- 
cept for want of the use of its best judgment in the management of the 
funds. 

7. The state seed-wheat committee may appoint such agents or repre- 
sentatives as in its opinion may be necessary to buy seed wheat and at- 
tend to the distribution and sowing of the same, and the care, harvesting 
and sale of the crop derived therefrom. 

8. All moneys subscribed to said fund shall be paid to the bank com- 
missioner of Kansas, as trustee, and by him deposited with the state 
treasurer as custodian, subject to the order of said trustee, and audited 
by the state auditor. All moneys due said fund repaid by those receiving 
seed wheat or derived from the sale of crops shall be paid to the trustee, 
who shall deposit the same in said fund with the state treasurer as custo- 
dian as aforesaid. All of said fund shall, on November 1, 1918, or as 
soon thereafter as practicable, be distributed pro rata to those who 
have advanced money for such fund. 

9. Residents of any county desiring that seed wheat (to be purchased 
with said fund) be furnished within such county shall form a county or- 
ganization to be known as County Seed-Wheat Committee, which 

shall be subject to the approval of the state seed-wheat committee. Such 
county organization shall consist in the main of at least two bankers, 
two farmers, the county farm agent, if any, and such millers, grain men 
and other individuals as the state seed-wheat committee may approve. 
The county seed-wheat committee shall organize by electing a chairman, 
a secretary-treasurer and such other officers as they may desire. 

10. The several members of such county seed-wheat committee shall 
personally sign a certificate acknowledging their membership in such 
committee and certifying to the names and addresses of the chairman 
and secretary-treasurer upon blanks furnished by the state seed-wheat 
committee, and forward the same to the bank commissioner, trustee, 
Topeka. 

11. The duties of each county seed- wheat committee shall be as fol- 
lows: 

(a) To organize its county, determine the seed-wheat requirements 
of the farmers in excess of the local supply or ability to supply, and 
place orders for the same with the state seed- wheat committee, at 
Topeka. 

(6) To collect a fund and deposit same in a bank within said county 
subject to the draft of the trustee provided for in these rules. Such 
fund shall be at least 20 per cent of the total amount to be furnished 
for seed wheat in said county, under the plan contemplated by these 
rules. 



88 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

(c) When shipment of seed wheat arrives at its destination in the 
county the responsibility for its custody and distribution shall rest with 
the county seed-wheat committee. 

{d) The county seed-wheat committee shall be responsible to the state 
seed-wheat committee for the proper preparation of the seed bed, sowing 
of the seed furnished, cultivation, harvesting, threshing and sale of the 
state seed-wheat committee's share of the crop, and the payment of the 
proceeds to the said trustee. 

(e) The county seed-wheat committee shall see that the state seed- 
wheat committee is protected in its share of the crop, and in case of a 
tenant that the state seed-wheat committee be protected coordinately with 
the landlord; that the proper share-crop agreements are executed by the 
farmer in favor of said trustee and countersigned by the chairman of 
the county seed-wheat committee, and in case of a tenant that the land- 
lord's agreement be duly executed; such agreement to be made in tripli- 
cate before any seed is delivered and upon blanks to be furnished by the 
state seed-wheat committee, one copy to be retained by the farmer, one 
by the county seed-wheat committee and the third to be delivered at once, 
when signed, to the bank commissioner at Topeka. 

12. Seed wheat will be furnished to the county seed-wheat committee 
at its actual cost, plus freight and the necessary expense of delivery, 
postage, telegraph, telephone, clerk hire and travel. 

13. No seed wheat shall be furnished in a county in which the county 
seed-wheat committee has not furnished a substantial amount of money 
to be used for the purchase of the seed wheat for that county. Such 
amount shall not be less than 20 per cent of the total amount of seed- 
wheat fund needed in the county, or a larger per cent as the state seed- 
wheat committee may require. Such per cent required, shall, by the 
county seed-wheat committee, be deposited in banks in such county, sub- 
ject to the draft of the trustee herein named, to be used for the purchase 
of s-eed wheat. The county seed-wheat committee shall at all times keep 
the trustee informed of the amount of such deposit in each bank. 

14. It is understood that the state seed-wheat committee will furnish 
as much of the seed wheat in any county entitled thereto as its available 
funds permit pro rata with the general fund for the state. 

15. Immediately upon collecting the proceeds of the sale of any share 
of a crop it shall be the duty of the county seed-wheat committee to remit 
to the said trustee at Topeka such portion thereof as the money furnished 
by said trustee from the state seed-wheat fund in such county bears to 
the total amount invested for seed wheat furnished in such county from 
the said fund and the fund created within such county. 

16. In case any wheat purchased by the assistance of the fund and 
delivered to any county be not used, the same shall be disposed of as may 
be directed by the state seed-wheat committee, and the proceeds thereof 
be remitted to the trustee and the county fund in proportion to the respec- 
tive amounts invested therein from said funds respectively. 

17. All communications shall be addressed to the State Seed Wheat 
Committee, Council of Defense, Topeka, Kan. 

18. All crop-share contracts shall be on the basis of one-fifth of all 
crops in favor of the trustee, f. o. b. cars or elevators at the station desig- 
nated in the contract; and all deliveries of the one-fifth share crop must 
be made to such station before November 1, 1918, unless the state seed- 
wheat committee shall extend the time in writing, and the county seed- 
wheat committee shall sell the said one-fifth share of the crop at the 
market price on the day of delivery at the station and forward the funds 
due the state seed-wheat committee immediately to the said trustee. The 
county seed-wheat committee shall be responsible for the faithful, prompt 
and efficient supervision and collection of proceeds due the state seed- 
wheat committee and the remittance thereof. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 89 

The season of 1918 was markedly unfavorable in this section of the 
state, and the proceeds due the fund from the crop of 1918 was but 
$7,030.42. 

STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS OF THE KANSAS STATE 
COUNCIL OF DEFENSE SEED-WHEAT FUND. 

Receipts. 

From 224 subscriptions in various amounts $71,280.00 

Local subscriptions: 

Gray coimty 14,900 . 00 

Hodgeman county 2,000 . 00 

Rooks county 1,377 . 66 

Proceeds one-fifth crop share: 

Gray and adjoining counties ., . 3,504.46 

Hodgeman county 132 . 76 

Rooks county 962 . 97 

Trego county 2,430 . 23 

Total $96,588 . 08 

Disbursements. 

To Gray county and parts of Finney, Haskell, Ford, Meade 
and Hodgeman counties for purchase of seed wheat, C. C. 
Isely, Cimarron, county agent $45,000.00 

To Hodgeman county for purchase of seed wheat, R. H. Wil- 
son, Jetmore, county agent 21,944.28 

To Rooks county for purchase of seed wheat, F. M. Smith, 

Stockton, county agent 6,359 . 99 

To Trego county for purchase of seed wheat, W. C. P. Rhoades, 

Wa Keeney, county agent 6,895.74 

Expenses, miscellaneous 777 . 96 

Distribution to subscribers of 17.43 per cent of amounts sub- 
scribed 15,610 . 11 

Total $96,588 . 08 

Respectfully submitted, Walter E. Wilson, 

Bank Cow,missioner {Trustee). 



COMMITTEE ON UTILIZATION AND ECONOMY. 

Mrs. May Belleville Beown. 
The lines along which the Committee on Utilization and Economy 
worked were as follows: 

1. To encourage the more intelligent selection, preparation and utili- 
zation of food. 

2. To urge the importance of marketing methods, and the regulation 
of abuses due to overcharging*. 

3. The enforcement of simple home health rules, encouragement of 
the conservation of energy, and especially to discourage the waste of 
energy through excitement and unnecessary fatigue, 

4. To encourage the adoption of simple standards of dress, taking 
greater care of clothing, and the more general remodelling of materials; 
the intelligent placing of discarded clothing where it may render the 
greatest service ; the simplifying of laundry and cleaning problems ; and 



90 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

particularly discouraging extravagance due to the purchase of expensive 
clothing arid the slavish following of fads in dress. 

5. To encourage the simplifying of social affairs, and inexpensive 
menus, abstinence from lavishness and ostentation in all recreation ac- 
tivities. To discourage the too frequent attendance upon places of 
amusement, because such attendances are extravagant and nerve de- 
stroying. To encourage a proper amount of relaxation and pleasure 
for everyone, and for the establishment of free concerts and other means 
of furnishing the same at the least expense of money and effort. 

6. To encourage the utilization of all sources of available power for 
carrying on the local work of the Council of Defense; the fullest utiliza- 
tion of boy power, girl power, and woman power; the employment in war 
work of local organization like Sunday school classes, lodges, clubs, and 
circles organized for social or intellectual purposes. 



COUNTY ACTIVITIES OF STATE COUNCIL. 



COUNTY WAR-WORK ORGANIZATION. 

It is to be regretted that the editor could not obtain more complete 
records of the details of the county and community organizations. Nearly 
every county was organized in some form for the promotion of war 
work; many counties effected the county organizations as suggested by 
the State Council of Defense and ably carried on by Dean Johnson, 
chairman of the county and community organizations. The scope of this 
work is shown in his report, which occurs earlier in this history. 

Some of the counties worked through local organizations already es- 
tablished, like the chamber of commerce; some worked under the main 
direction of the Red Cross; in other counties the food drive was better 
organized than in others, and finally in some counties new local patriotic 
organizations were established for the purpose of pushing every phase 
of the work and support all drives of every kind. 

The following is a list of the counties, with rather a meager ex- 
pression of the work that was really done, except in a few cases : 

ALLEN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Charles O. Bolinger, lola. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — C. H. Apt, chairman, lola; A. H. 
Campbell, lola; George A. Amos, Humboldt; Chas. C. Bolinger, lola; W. 
W. Wheeler, lola. 

ANDERSON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. S. Jackson, Garnett. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — N. L. Bowman, chairman, Gar- 
nett; J. G. Johnson, Garnett; Manford Shoonover, Garnett; C. S. Jack- 
son, Garnett; Mrs. George W. Humberg, Garnett. 

ATCHISON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. J. Bailey, Atchison. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — J. W. Orr, chairman, Atchison; 
J. M. Challis, Atchison; C. J. Conlon, Atchison; W. J. Bailey, Atchison; 
Mrs. B. L. Brockett, Atchison. 

BARBER COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — T. L.Lindley, Medicine Lodge. 

Members of County Committee. — J. H. Nickold, Kiowa; W. C. Alford, 
Hazelton; George Mitchell, Sharon; Jake Mohlz, Hardtner; Keith Simp- 
son, Medicine Lodge; C. F. Butcher, Medicine Lodge; E. W. Stout, Lake 
City; G. H. Wilmot, Sun City; Lester White, Isabel; S. T. White, Isabel; 
H. D. Fair, Medicine Lodge. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Seward I. Field, R. L. Lindley, 
J. N. Tichner, Samuel Griffin, L. L. Osbom. 

(91) 



92 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The chairman's report of the county's activities is as follows: "Our 
Council of Defense had and did a lot of work. Outside of a number of 
instances of hoarding wheat and flour, most of our work was collecting 
on the different drives after the committee appointed for that purpose 
had failed." 

BARTON COUNTY. 

Officers. — President, O. W. Dawson, Great Bend; vice president, C. P. 
Munns, Hoisington; secretary, C. V. Russell, Great Bend; treasurer, F. 
A. Moses, Great Bend. 

Executive Committee. — W. C. Schumacher; C. P. Munns, W. J. Lang- 
ham, Henry Boyle, Arthur Dring, C. R. Alrich, F. A. Moses, C. L. Gunn, 
R. C. Russell, O. W. Dawson, Fred Wolf. 

County Legal Advisory Comm^ittee. — E. C. Cole, chairman. Great Bend; 
F. V. Russell, Great Bend; A. L. Fenis, Hoisington; C. W. Dawson, Great 
Bend; Ralph Call, Hoisington. 

The president of the Barton County Council of Defense reported that 
in all the war activities his county met the quota assigned and more. 
Also a systematic campaign was made to increase agricultural produc- 
tion, with good results. The county had two strong uniformed companies 
of Home Guards, in the city of Great Bend and at Pawnee Rock, which 
did good service. 

BOURBON COUNTY. 

County ChairTnan. — Rev. George S. Fulcher, Fort Scott. 

Members. — J. T. Macon, A. A. Fairman, O. A. Hayden, W. E. Brooks, 
F. H. Foster, C. D. Sample, Father Maher, Dr. J. D. Wolf, Sherman Ram- 
sey, Caldwell Davis, J. L. Crist, R. S. Tiernan, Miss Isa Green, Mrs. C. F. 
Miller, Mrs. W. W. Padgett, George W. Marble, Frank Cunningham, Miss 
May Hare, Mrs. C. W. Howard, T. W. Atkins. 

This council worked in union with the Bourbon County War Board 
which had been created by the citizens of the county some time before the 
formation of the Council of Defense. 

County Legal Advisory Board. — W. P. Dillard, chairman. Fort Scott; 
C. E. Hulett, Fort Scott; J. J. Crider, Fort Scott; George S. Fulcher, Fort 
Scott; Mrs. Ray Williams, Fort Scott. 

Bourbon county went over its quota in practically every drive. Too 
much praise cannot be given the faithful men and women who covered 
their blocks again and again, bringing the citizenship up to the goals. 
The county was divided on the township and school district unit plan, with 
faithful workers in charge of each subdivision. 

The county raised in the first Red Cross drive $35,000 and in the sec- 
ond Red Cross drive there was raised $40,000. One of the most effective 
Red Cross chapters was maintained in Fort Scott, and a canteen for the 
soldiers and sailors, hundreds of women giving time to make the needed 
supplies. Mrs. C. M. Howard was the county chairman of the Red Cross. 

Under the direction of Mr. C. F. Miller, as chairman of the Increased 
Agricultural committee, the acreage in wheat was increased to an un- 
precedented degree. The figures in the county agent's office show that in 
1914 there were 1,150 acres in wheat in Bourbon county, and in 1919 there 
were 58,000 acres, more than fifty times as many as in 1914. 

War meetings were held in school-houses before all the drives. Church 
choirs went out from the larger towns to the outlying districts and held 
patriotic sing&. Great rallies were held in Fort Scott, addressed by 
soldiers of the American or allied armies. There was no part of the 
county into which the fire of patriotism was not scattered. 

Under the direction of Miss Isa Green, county conservation agent, care- 
ful education in food conservation was given. A thrift kitchen was es- 
tablished in Fort Scott. Township meetings were held. A house to house 
enlistment was made for the conservation of flour and sugar and fats. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 93 

BROWN COUNTY. 

Comity Chairman. — Drew McLaughlin, Hiawatha. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — S. F. Newlon, chairman, Hia- 
watha; F. M. Pearl, Hiawatha; S. L. Ryan, Hiawatha; Drew McLaughlin, 
Hiawatha; L. L. Hassenpflug, Hiawatha. 

BUTLER COUNTY. 

County Chairman — J. B. Adams, El Dorado. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Granville P. Aikman, chairman. 
El Dorado; A. L. L. Hamilton, El Dorado; Geo. J. Benson, El Dorado; 
J. B. Adams, El Dorado; Miss Edith Chesney, El Dorado. 

CHASE COUNTY WAR ACTIVITIES. 

Chairman County Council. — Charles Davis, Cottonwood Falls. 

Members. — J. U. Massey, secretary-treasurer; W. W. Austin; L. M. 
Swope; Mrs. J. W. Coverdill. 

Members Legal Advisory Committee. — Frederick A. Meckel, chairman, 
Cottonwood Falls; T. H. Grisham, Cottonwood Falls; R. B. Breese, Cot- 
tonwood Falls; Chas. E, Davis, Cottonwood Falls; Mrs. L. M. Swope, 
Cottonwood Falls. 

The Chase county council sends the following good reports of its ac- 
tivities : 

There was no definite record of the first Red Cross drive kept. The 
quota for Chase county was $9,000, and we raised something around 
$12,000. 

The quota for the second Red Cross drive was the same — $9,000 — and 
we raised $14,357.54. Mr. W. W. Austin was county chairman for both 
drives, and J. U. Massey was war fund cashier for the second drive. 

The United War Work campaign, taking in the Salvation Army and 
the Knights of Columbus, was under the leadership of Mr. Geo. A. Mc- 
Nee. Our quota for this drive was $15,000, and we raised $16,235.47. 

The matter of increased agricultural production was under the direc- 
tion of Mr. Preston Hale, county agent, Chase County Farm Bureau. 
Mr. Hale and the farm bureau complied with all instructions sent out 
>by the government. 

The woman's committee of the Council of Defense was under the 
leadership of Mrs. J. W. Coverdill, and was very active in the matter of 
food conservation and increased production. Nearly 1,000 signatures to 
the food cards were obtained. The county employed a home demonstra- 
tion emergency agent, who during the year gave 50 food demonstrations, 
11 lectures on home economics, formed 13 canning clubs and a cooking 
club for girls, thus making it possible for every woman to become fa- 
miliar with practical methods of saving food. War gardens were planted 
by the school children under the direction of competent leaders. Nearly 
every resident who could obtain even a few feet of ground planted gar- 
dens. The woman's committee also conducted a station for recruiting 
student nurses. Six nurses volunteered. They also conducted weighing 
and measuring tests for babies. Mnay volunteers for various forms of 
war work were procured by the registration of women, which was the first 
one of the many tasks assigned to the woman's committee. 

There was no permanent record kept of the first Liberty -loan drive, 
but Chase county went over the top. This drive was directed by L. M. 
Swope., The second, third and fourth Liberty loan drives were under the 
direction of County Treasurer C. L. Whitcombe, and are as follows : Sec- 
ond Liberty loan, subscribed $185,850 ; third Liberty loan, quota $129,000, 
subscribed $198,350; fourth Liberty loan, quota $312,000, subscribed 
$371,450; fifth Victory loan, quota $257,650, subscribed $289,250. 



94 History of Kansas 'Council of Defense. 

Meetings were held for the promotion of patriotism, one on Constitu- 
tional day, at which time Congressman Doolittle spoke. 

Chase county is glad to report that we had no slackers. 

There was no Home Guard organized. 

In addition to the above the Chase County Red Cross chapters raised 
something over $3,000 by means of auctions and other methods. The 
Chautauqua Association turned over $500 in the year of 1918. Chase 
county has for the past two years had about 2,500 members, secured in 
the membership campaign, which also netted a like amount. 

The High School Y. W. C. A. was called upon to raise $75 for the 
purpose of helping establish county Y. W. C. A's. This amount v/as 

The first Y. M. C. A. drive netted about $3,000 from Chase county. 
Our quota was about $2,400. 

The High School Y. M. C. A. presented each boy going into the service 
from Chase county with a New Testament. 

The Chase county high school also has the following record : 

Liberty loan bought by school .• $50 . 00 

War savings stamps bought with receipts of girls' opera 8,3.00 

Y. M. C. A. contribution to Y. M. C. A. drive 10.00 

Y. W. C. A. contribution to Y. M. C. A. drive 15.00 

Red Cross Christmas box for soldiers by school 8.25 

Purchases and contributions by students: 

Liberty loan bonds 0,200 . 00 

War savings stamps 1,765.00 

Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A 52.85 

Red Cross 170 . 00 

Additional: 

Number of days boys vrorked for farmers 381% 

Amount boys received for vs^ork $672 . 45 

Amount students'colleeted from citizens for local Red Cross (not including 

student contributions) $294.00 

Sweaters knitted for soldiers by high-school girls 20 

Pairs of wristlets knitted for soldiers 11 

Helmets knitted for soldiers 10 

This does not include contributions or purchases by high-school teach- 
ers, or by several students not now enrolled in school, and does not in- 
clude any purchases during the third Liberty loan. The state superin- 
tendent states that Chase county high school ranks third among high 
schools of Kansas in total amount of war contributions and purchases. 
Topeka high school ranks first and Fort Scott second. These are much 
larger high schools, and if the rank was to be determined by enrollment 
Chase county high school would rank first by a large margin. 

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — P. F. Eggen, Sedan. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — J. A. Ferrell, chairman, Sedan; 
J. H. Brooks, Sedan; W. H. Sproul, Sedan; F. F. Eggen, Sedan; H. R. 
Fish, Sedan. 

The following short report from P. F. Eggen gives a general state- 
ment of Chautauqua county's war activities: 

In the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Salvation Army and Knights of Colum- 
bus drives we have always done our part, and all that was required from 
the state organizations. 

Also in regard to increased agricultural production and Liberty bond 
drives this county has always gone "over the top" as well as in the last 
Victory loan drive. And we had no slackers in this county. Also had 
a Home Guard in this tovim. 

Will state that Mr. Harry Cox, of Cedar Vale, Kan., was president of 
the Red Cross in this county; Mr. A. G. Denman, of this city, was presi- 
dent of all the Liberty bond drives ; C. W. Spencer, of this city, was presi- 
dent of the Victory loan drive; and Mr. Norman L. Hay, of this city, 
was chairman of the increased agricultural-production committee, and 
. Dr. Cheney, of this city, president of the Home Guards recruiting. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 95 

CHEROKEE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — H. A. La Rue (resigned), Columbus. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — A. H. Skidmore, chairman, Co- 
lumbus; S. C. Westcott, Galena; Al. F. Williams, Columbus; C. W. Grant, 
Columbus; Mrs. C. E. Bartlett, Columbus. 

. CHEYENNE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. L. Lockwood, St. Francis. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — E. E. Kite, chairman, St. Fran- 
cis; E. S. Knight, St. Francis; H. T. Santrock, St. Francis; W. L. Lock- 
wood, St. Francis; J. L. Finley, St. Francis. 

CLARK COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — G. 0. Dakin, Ashland. 

County Legal Advisory Corrvmittee. — W. W. Harvey, chairman, Ash- 
land; M. G. Stevenson, Minneola; J. B. Hayes, Minneola; G. C. Dakin, 
Ashland; Mrs. B. L. Stephens, Ashland. 

CLAY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — George W. Hanna, Clay Center. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. T. Roche, chairman, Clay 
C-enter; George L. Davis, Clay Center; W. P. Anthony, Clay Center; 
Geo. W. Hanna, Clay Center; J. H. Russell, Clay Center. 

CLOUD COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Geo. V. McConahey, Concordia. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — F. W. Sturges, jr., chairman, 
Concordia; Parke B. Pulsifer, Concordia; A. L. Wilmoth, Concordia; 
Geo. V. McConahey, Concordia; C. A. Betournoy, Concordia. 

COFFEY COUNTY. 

Officers. — President, C. T. Sherwood, Burlington; vice president, 
George Crotty; secretary, Mrs. C. T. Sherwood; treasurer, Cora Arnold; 
secretary War Board, Lola H. Holman. 

Board of Directors. — J. H. Brown, chairman community council. Grid- 
ley; A. D. Finley, chairman community council, Le Roy; D. P. Jones, 
chairman community council, Lebo; Dr. J. C. Fear, chairman community 
council, Waverly; L. H. Hannen, chairman community council, Burling- 
ton; J. R. Copple, chairman Liberty loan; S. D. Weaver, chairman Red 
Cross; F. R. Hammond, fuel administrator; C. T. Sherwood, food ad- 
ministrator; N. L Nesbitt, chairman labor bureau; Mrs. J. H. Hanna, 
chairman Woman's Council County Defense. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Joe Rolston, chairman, Burling- 
ton; J. L. Senior, Waverly; J. I. Wolfe, Burlington; C. T. Sherwood, 
Burlington; Mrs. D. W. Sanders, Burlington. 

COMANCHE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Charles W. Allerdice, Coldwater. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Jay T. Botts, chairman. Cold- 
water; Dick H. Rich, Coldwater; W. J. Masemore, Coldwater; Chas. V. 
Allerdice, Coldwater; Mrs. S. E. Holmes, Coldwater. 



96 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The report given for Comanche county is that in all drives, including 
Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., and Liberty bond drives, quotas were all met in 
full. In the food conservation drives over five hundred people signed the 
pledge. Coldwater and Protection cities both organized Home Guard 
companies. The county had the largest wheat acreage in its history. 

COWLEY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. T. Franks, Winfield. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — A. M. Jackson, chairman, Win- 
field; E. W. Earhart, Winfield; W. L. Cunningham, Arkansas City; C. T. 
Frunks, Winfield; Ed L. Hepler, Winfield. 

CRAWFORD COUNTY. 

County Chairmayi. — W. J. Watson, Pittsburg. 

Members. — J. W. Miley, vice chairman; John A. Barrett, secretary; 
W. A. Brandenburg, A. F. LaForge, H. W. Shideler, F. N. Chadsey, 
L. W. Johnson, Guy Carlton. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — B. S. Gaitskill, chairman, Girard; 
J. P. Curran, Pittsburg; J. J. Campbell, Pittsburg; W. J. Watson, Pitts- 
burg; Mrs. J. W. True, Pittsburg. 

Crawford county had one of the most active county councils in the 
state. Every department was thoroughly organized, and did efficient 
work. In the bond drives the total amount of bonds sold was $153,600, 
which was written by the Pittsburg committee of men, the Nelson com- 
mittee, the Franklin committee, and by the Boy Scouts. During the 
Red Cross drives the council gave every assistance possible, and at 
the close of the week in Pittsburg machines were secured and workers 
to tabulate the work of the entire county. It was owing to the organized 
aid of the county council of defense that the second war drive raised 
$140,000, which was more than twice the amount that was assessed 
Crawford county. 

Another activity of this council was the organizing of community 
councils in 129 school districts, with a chairman and working committee 
in each district in the county, besides committees in the following towns: 
Arcadia, Arma, Brazelton, Cherokee, Frontenac, Girard, Hepler, McCune, 
Mulberry, Walnut, and Pittsburg. 

During the Baby bond campaign the Crawford Council of Defense 
was asked to lend all possible aid in that drive. Meetings were held in 
the various schoolhouses and bonds sold. A Baby bond bank was es- 
tablished in Pittsburg, and after conducting it a few days it was turned 
over to the civics bureau of the Pittsburg chamber of commerce. The 
sales at the Baby bond bank were highly gratifying. 

The Crawford Council of Defense sent literature all over the country 
regarding the German propaganda, and organized a foreign-language 
bureau to translate the following languages : French, Mexican, German, 
Syrian, Turkish, Arabian, Slovenian, Swedish, Russian, Italian and 
Greek, with the following persons, who offered to give their services free 
when called on for the good of the cause: Peter Kelley, Raymond Her- 
nandez, Frank Van Gastel, Edward Caffero, James Guisseppi, Joe Byer, 
George Prell, John Sell, and Selso Gobez. Topics of the espionage 
law were printed and sent to the different community councils and to all 
points where there was occasion to write, believing that "prevention is 
much better than cure." 

Among the many and various activities of this county council were 
the investigation into disloyalty charges, help given to soldiers, men 
and women furnished employment, recommendations for citizenship given, 
settling of quarrels and strikes averted, the information concerning labor 
furnished agricultural department, the sending of some nonessential 
workers to the mines, the writing of letters for citizens, the securing of 
furloughs for soldiers, and the securing of jobs for returned soldiers. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 97 

DECATUR COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Otis L. Benton, Oberlin. 

Members. — H. Q. Banta, D. G. Campbell, Dr. H. J. Morrison, E. W. 
Coldren, Qeorge W. Keys, W. T. Stevenson, Dr. J. E. Wheeler, J. H. 
Young, L. M. Parker, Dr. I. E. Larrick, S. A. Fish, M. E. Brooks. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — A. C. T. Geiger, chairman, Ober- 
lin; J. D. Peters, Oberlin; L. M. Parker, Oberlin; Otis L. Burton, Oberlin; 
Rev. J. P. Clark, Oberlin. 

The following splendid report was submitted by the chairman of the 
Decatur County Council of Defense: 

A special effort was made during the summer of 1918 to secure a large 
acreage of wheat, many citizens being induced to furnish seed wheat 
to those who could not buy it. The result was an increase in acreage 
of about fifteen per cent. 

During November, 1917, an organization was formed in each township 
and a fairly thorough canvass made, securing voluntary pledges to con- 
serve food during the war. During the early part of 1918 a call was 
made for the return of surplus flour, and considerable was returned for 
redistribution, but the exact amount was not ascertained as it was 
returned to the various merchants and no record kept. In May a fairly 
large amount of wheat was delivered on call, in all several thousand 
bushels. 

The executive committee of the Decatur County Council of Defense 
unanimously passed a resolution, which was supported by the various 
members from our council from every township in Decatur county, in- 
sisting upon loyalty throughout the county. We were able to enforce 
patriotic sentiments very generally among our people. We had a card 
index for every man and woman in the county, and all were solicited to 
do their part in the various financial drives according to the financial 
ability of each as developed by the tax returns on file with the county 
clerk. Very little difficulty was experienced in enforcing this method of 
universal participation throughout the various war drives. Our county 
officials gave us strong moral support when requested, which did very 
much toward crystallizing sentiment toward a general patriotic response 
at all times. 

All returned soldiers to the county have been furnished lucrative po- 
sitions, and all soldier boys are once again at home and are a part of a 
happy, contented people. On July 4, 1919, a great celebration and "wel- 
come home" was observed at Oberlin, county seat of Decatur county, at 
which time the soldier boys were all invited, and most of them were 
present. A fine military parade was participated in by the returned 
soldiers, much to the pleasure, pride and satisfaction of parents and the 
visiting friends composing the "army in the rear." The Kensington 
Military band, which accompanied President Wilson on his trips abroad, 
was one of the great attractions of the day. It is proper to say that 
Decatur county acquitted herself most loyally and patriotically during 
the war, and in the light of impartial history only words of commenda- 
tion can be expressed now after it is all over and most of our boys re- 
turned to their homes and loved ones. 

Summary of work performed by the various committees and organizations in behalf of our 
government during the recent war. Government bonds sold. 

First Liberty loan bonds sold, estimated $200,000 

Second Liberty loan bo?ids sold, estimated 150,000 

Third Liberty loan bonds sold, actual 184,650 

Fourth Liberty loan bonds sold, actual 152^000 

Fifth Liberty loan bonds sold, actual 113,850 

Baby bonds sold, actual 177,056 

Total government securities sold in Decatur county $977, 55t 

7 — C. Def. — 5487 



98 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Amounts of money contributed by people of Decatur county for philanthropic work 

during the war. 

Red Cross drives $25,919 

Amount collected for 1918 memberships 2,994 

Amount collected for 1919 memberships 2,946 

Miscellaneous contributions , 890 

Y. M. C. A. and United War Work contributions '. 10,371 

Amount contributed by the people in the Jewish- Armenian relief fund, about. . 300 

U. S. boys working reserve 53 

Total $43,473 

Total bonds sales, as above statement 977,556 

Total investment of money of Decatur county people in the war to date, $1,021,029 

DICKINSON COUNTY. 

County Chairrtian. — C. A. Case, Abilene. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — S. S. Smith, chairman, Abilene; 
Arthur Hurd, Abilene; H. L. Humphrey, Abilene; C. A. Case, Abilene; 
E. H. Foumey, Abilene. 

DONIPHAN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — F. W. Kotsch, Troy. 

County Legal Advisory Comm.ittee — ^C. W. Reeder, chairman, Troy; 
J. J. Baker, Troy; A. L. Perry, Troy; F. W. Kotsch, Troy; C. W. Reder, 
Troy. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

County Legal Advisory Com^rndttee. — J. W. Green (deceased), chair- 
man, Lawrence; M. A. Gorrill, Lawrence; C. E. Lindley, Lawrence; W. E. 
Spaulding, Lawrence; T. J. Sweeney, Lawrence. 

The Douglas County Council, under the chairmanship of Charles H. 
Tucker, gave its ready support to all movements started by the State 
Council of Defense, but the drives for Liberty bonds, the Red Cross, 
Y. M. C. A., United War Work and so forth were conducted by local com- 
mittees appointed for each specific drive. Citizens were drafted for this 
work and meetings were held throughout the county by volunteer speak- 
ers. The work was completely and thoroughly done. 

Mr. Clarence Hall was chairman of the county food committee, and he 
and his fellow workers were active in the promotion and support of the 
Federal food drive, which involved increase of production and economy 
of foodstuffs. 

Classes at the University of Kansas on war work and war relief were 
given to the hundreds of members of the Students' Army Training Corps 
by the faculty. 

The home-service section of the Red Cross, aided by the county legal 
committee, took care of the families of the soldiers and sailors who 
needed help, giving legal advice free of charge and ready assistance re- 
garding insurance, compensation, back pay and so forth. Professor 
Blackmar, of the University, was chairman of the home-service section , 
of the Red Cross for Douglas county, and besides attending to the regular 
routine of business gave instruction to forty-two young women in the 
University, preparing them for the home-service work. During this 
preparation they attended to the necessary case work that was done in 
Lawrence. 

The Red Cross organization was prominent in service, but as this was 
done under Federal jurisdiction the history of the Red Cross movement in 
Kansas, although its services were frequently combined with the local, 
state and county work, belongs in another category and should be written 
as a special history. 

Douglas county did its full share of service, whether we consider loans, 
money, food, number of men in service, or the care of them or their 
families. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 99 

EDWARDS COUNTY. 

County Legal Advisory Comrmttee — A. L. Moffatt, chairman, Kinsley; 
F. L. Slaughter, Kinsley; W. E. Broadie, Kinsley; Rev. W. I. Williams, 
Kinsley, Rev. Williams, Kinsley. 

Mr. D. Gibson, county chairman of Red Cross, gives the following re- 
port for Edwards county: 

Edwards county met every demand of the Red Cross, raised more than 
our quota in each drive; and we raised much more than our quota in the 
Y. M. C. A. drives, the Salvation Army drive and the United War Work 
campaign. We did not subscribe our full quota in either the first or sec- 
ond Liberty loan drives, but in the third and fourth and the Victory loan 
drives we reached our full quota. 

The council of defense was well supported, and kept well suppressed 
all pro-Germans, and looked well after the slackers. 

We had a company of about sixty Home Guards, who met and drilled 
at least once a week during the war. 

Food conservation was well looked after, and the local food adminis- 
trator was loyally supported by at least 95 per cent of our people, 

ELK COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — F. C. Flory, Howard. 

Members. — F. B. Caldwell, George H. Turner. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — A. F. Sims, chairman, Howard; 
I. F. Deal, Grenola; G. J. Sharp, Howard; Frank Bobyns, Howard; Frank 
McKey, Howard. 

It was voted that the chairmen of the different war boards and the 
chairman of the council of the different townships compose the executive 
committee. The committee thus formed consisted of Arch J. Kearns, 
food administrator, and in charge of threshing department ; W. B. Russell, 
fuel administrator; H. G. Zirn, chairman bond drives; S. C. Hanna, 
chairman Red Cross; G. H. Ransom, chairman Y. M. C. A.; Elmer Hosier, 
Liberty township; A. C. Walters, Paw Paw township; A. C. Barnes, 
Union Center township; W. T. Sherlock and J. R. Dimmitt, Greenfield; 
Geo. H. Turner, Wild Cat; Bert Clough, Elk Falls; E. Clemans, Longton; 
H. E. Crane, Howard; A. S. Patterson, Painterhood; Russell, Oak Valley. 

It was the support given the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Knights of 
Columbus, Salvation Army, and other organizations conducting drives 
that made them successful, as our organization was so perfected that a 
word to the township chairman from the county president put the entire 
organization in action and back of these drives. This was also true of 
all of the bond drives. 

Our organization, by talks over the county and through the press, 
taught the people the need of conserving food, and our threshing com- 
mittee forced the threshers to cease from wasting grain. All com- 
plaints of profiteering were investigated, and those who were disobeying 
the law were made to comply therewith. 

Public meetings were held over the county of a patriotic character, and 
every effort was made to show the people that the war was their war and 
just. Slackers were given to understand that they were not good citizens. 
Numerous cases cf disloyalty were investigated, and practically all of 
the guilty ones brought to time in one way or another. 

The president of the county council of defense was chairman of the 
board to give instructions to the boys in the draft list. He was assisted 
by Frank Blizzard, Bert Russell, Dr. R. C. Harner, and Thos. E. Thomp- 
son. Meetings were held up to the time the armistice was) signed, and 
the young men instructed along the lines as suggested by the adjutant 
general, including preliminary military training by E. B. White. 



100 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The people responded nobly to every appeal of the council and the 
organization consisted of practically all of the loyal men and women of 
the county. The war ended with money in our treasury, and every de- 
mand made on the organization was met. 

ELLIS COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — E. A. Rea, Hays. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Chas. W. Reeder, chairman. 
Hays; E. R. Rea, Hays; J. H. Simminger, Hays; W. A. Lewis, Hays; 
Rev. E. O. Rogers, Hays. 

ELLSWORTH COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — F. E. Demuth, Wilson; C. L. Banner. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Ira E. Lloyd, chairman, Ells- 
worth; J. D. Lafferty, Ellsworth; Geo. W. McCoy, Ellsworth; F. E. De- 
Muth, Ellsworth; Mrs. R. H. Vance, Ellsworth. 

Ellsworth county took a very active part in the various war activities. 
The Red Cross, relief work and war drives were efficiently handled. Mr. 
Banner reported that every drive was a success — all loans and drives 
going over the top. He says: "Patriotism was Al. No German schools 
were allowed. Slackers were taken care of. Every Non-partisan League 
organizer or pro-German was driven out of the county; several were sent 
to Fort Oglesthorpe, Ga., for the duration of the war, and several were 
under bond. One rich farmer was sent to jail, and a manager appointed 
to thresh his crop and farm his land. Four companies of Home Guards 
were organized in Ellsworth county." 

FINNEY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — F. A. Gillispie, Garden City. 

County Legal Advisory Com,mittee. — Wm. Easton Hutchinson, chair- 
man. Garden City; R. J. Hopkins, Garden City; H. 0. Trinkle, Garden 
City; F. A. Gillispie, Garden City; Mrs. W. E. Hutchinson, Garden City. 

An advisory committee composed of B. F. Minis, W. M. Kinnison 
and William Wann, all of Garden City, were first appointed by the chair- 
man of the county council to give any aid and advice necessary. 

As Mr. Gillispie was also chairman of the county food administration, 
he combined the work and used the same committee for each. This com- 
mittee was composed of responsible men who were available for short- 
notice meetings, and did effective service. The chairman reports that 
ho met with the utmost cooperation and help from this committee, as 
they worked faithfully at all times. He reports: "Any canvassing or 
the sending out of literature or information or any other work that was 
necessary for both committees was promptly and carefully attended to 
immediately by these different chairmen. 

"I divided my county into the city of Garden City, one committee, and 
the seven congressional townships of the county with a committee in 
charge of each. My committees were as follows: Terry township, C. M. 
Niquette, chairman; Pleasant Valley township, S. A. Oxley, chairman; 
Garfield township, C. V. Chalfont, chairman; Sherlock township, J. C. 
Sharer, chairman; Garden City township, H. B. Quimby, chairman; 
Pierceville township, H. S. Walker, chairman; Ivanhoe township, Jess 
Kisner, chairman; city of Garden City, Rev. H. O. Judd, chairman; 
each of these gentlemen subdivided his district, with a good strong com- 
mittee in each district. 

"A great effort was made, and successfully at that, to increase the 
production of crops and live stock. This was especially noticeable in the 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 101 

city of Garden City, where all vacant lots were turned into gardens. 
Will also state that all rules of the food administration for the conser- 
vation of food were religiously adhered to. 

"Finney county was unusually free from disloyalty and from slackers 
and traitors. We had only had two men in this county on whom severe 
pressure had to be brought to bear, and these two men were properly 
and publicly disciplined. 

"I am still looking after, and with the aid of my committee, although 
they are formally disbanded at this time, taking care in every regard of 
all the returned soldiers. This has been a very pleasant duty, and at 
the same time one very easy to comply with, as we have been able to pro- 
cure satisfactory employment for every returned soldier." 

FORD COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Lee Gould, Dodge City. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Carl Van Riper, chairman, Dodge 
City; Albert Watkins, Dodge City; Walter L. Bullock, Dodge City; Lee 
Gould, Dodge City; Rev. W. E. Rose, Dodge City. 

FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — B. F. Bowers, Ottawa. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — F. M. Harris, chairman, Ottawa; 
W. S. Jenks, Ottawa; J. W. Parker, Ottawa; B. F. Bowers, Ottawa; 
Mrs. E. W. Geiger, Ottawa. 

GEARY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. A. Thomson, Junction City. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — J. V. Humphrey, chairman. Junc- 
tion City; I. M. Pratt, Junction City; W. W. Pease, Junction City; W. A. 
Thomson, Junction City; Lawrence B. Morris, Junction City. 

GOVE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — E. D. Samson, Quinter. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — R. H. Thompson, chairman Gove; 
Gus Peterson, Gove; Geo. F. Turner, Gove; E. B. Samson, Quinter; A. B. 
Brandenburg, Quinter. 

GRAHAM COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — E. E. Mullaney, Hill City. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — F. D. Turck, chairman, Hill City; 
E. E. Mullaney, Hill City; W. L. Sayers, Hill City, James 0. McVey, 
Hill City; J. Q. Sayers, Hill City. 

GRANT COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — H. W. Stubbs, New Ulysses. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — S. A. Davis, chairman. New 
Ulysses; D. C. Sullivan, New Ulysses; W. A. Moore, New Ulysses; H. W. 

Stubbs, New Ulysses. 

GRAY COUNTY. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Harry Brince, chairman, Cimar- 
ron; John Harper, Cimarron; F. M. Luther, Cimarron; C. C. Isley, 
Cimarron; Wm. Hoover, Cimarron. 



102 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Mr. C. C. Isley, county chairman of Gray county, gives the following 
report for Gray county : 

As soon as the war was declared Gray county showed her red blood 
by sending an unusual number of young men to the colors. The enlist- 
ments were so heavy that on the first draft Gray county was required to 
send only one soldier. If she had received credit for the men in the 
officers' training camps who received commissions, and for the men who 
had gone into the army a few days before the declaration was issued, 
and for those who had gone into the navy, we not only would have filled 
our first quota by volunteer enlistments, but would have shown an en- 
listment of twenty-five per cent in excess of our legal requirement. This 
volunteer enlistment exceeded the entire volunteer enlistment of several 
of the eastern states and more than the volunteer enlistment of Rhode 
Island and Vermont together. This single fact, from a little county of 
forty-five hundred people, is a credit and a tribute to the spirit sup- 
porting the war against imperialism, and if nothing else were said this 
alone should be sufficient to show Gray county's part in supporting the 
war. 

Early in the war the council of defense decided at a county rally to 
conduct the organization under a more' aggressive title. The young men 
who left for the front were for a more aggressive war against the de- 
stroyers of homes, of childhood, of civilization, and of liberty, and so 
the Gray County War Council was organized, to supplement the Council 
of Defense. The county was divided into five districts, grouped around 
the five principal towns — Cimarron, Ingalls, Ensign, Montezuma, and 
Copeland. Each district was presided over by a captain and two lieu- 
tenants. Every district was divided into communities, with a sergeant 
and two corporals to carry on the work. This organization directed the 
various drives, dividing the work up so that everyone in the community 
had a chance to share in the work required. Every requirement of the 
government and of the war agencies was met in Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., 
food conservation, and Liberty loan drives. Efficient Home Guards were 
organized in Cimarron, Ensign and Copeland. 

Gray county, being an agricultural county, suffered during the war 
a period of crop failures, which made the contribution to the govern- 
ment's war chest a real sacrifice, yet every demand was most cheerfully 
met. Production was urged upon the farmers, and in spite of the fact 
that it cost more than ever to produce, the farmers put forth every 
effort to produce all kinds of crops, and in this way they were ably sup- 
ported by the business men and the business organizations. 

Slackers were very scarce. One ignorant boy, after registering and 
submitting to the physical examination, failed to report for entrainment 
on the last call. He had been imposed upon by a misguided pacifist, 
under the cloak of religion. The draft board found him, however, and 
with the aid of the war council he willingly entered the service. Those 
who had instigated his disloyalty were turned over to the district attor- 
ney's office, with the result that they made no further trouble. The 
large Mennonite community had a little trouble in seeing the war in the 
proper light, but after being dealt with in the generous American, but 
firm, manner, supported the war causes liberally with very little further 
trouble. 

The following acted as county chairmen of the various activities: 
Forrest Luther, bond drives; Mrs. J. A. Evans, county chairman of the 
Red Cross; John Harper, chairman of the Red Cross drives; Rev. C. E. 
Brown, publicity and Red Cross home service; Mrs. D. B. Hungate, 
county supervisor of women's work in the Red Cross; Mr. Emery Ray, 
chairman of the Y. M. C. A. and Seven-in-One drives; Mrs. Ethel Avery, 
food administrator (the only woman food administrator in the state) ; 
H. N. Hildebrand, Roy Baker and J. N. Alexander filled the local draft 
board; H. J. Egbert, secretary of the War Council. 

The district captains were as follows: S. J. Vandine, Cimarron; 
Emery Ray, assisted by J. E. Burns, Ingalls; W. P. Elliott, assisted by 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 103 

R. M. Boyd, Copeland; A. R. Eddington, assisted by A. N. Rennie, Monte- 
zuma; Charles Sturdevant, assisted by J. K. Sayre, Ensign. A. R. 
Eddington died in the harness, a victim of the "flu." His efficient work 
in Montezuma township in every war activity was deeply appreciated by 
those who knew how faithfully he discharged his duties. 

GREELEY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. M. Glenn, Tribune. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. M. Glenn, Tribune, chairman; 
George L. Reid, Tribune; David R. Beckstrom, Tribune; Clement L. 
Wilson. 

GREENWOOD COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. E. Moore, Eureka. 

Members. — Chairman of the county emergency committee, C. E. Moore; 
chairman of the board of county commissioners, W. D. Laird; county 
superintendent of schools, Mary L. Service; president of the county 
Farmers' Institute, A. D. Fry; president of the county Farmers' Union, 
C. C. Huntington; president of county Farm Bureau, E. L. Barrier; 
president of the county Bankers' Association, H. D. Tucker; Mayor of 
Eureka, M. A. Miller; secretary of the Commercial Club, J. P. Alter; 
chairman of the board of education, Eureka, Dr. R. A. Bower; representa- 
tive of women's club, Mrs. Cyrus Brookover; editors, Geo. G. Wood, 
Robt. Focht. 

Township Presidents. — J. W. Knizley, Utopia; Arthur Pugh, Eureka; 
H. Shumard, Eureka; J. G. Smith, Hamilton; U. F. Berthot, Virgil; J. 
M. Ryan, Madison; E. J. Weaver, Piedmont; E. B. Giess, Toronto; H. J. 
Fuhlhage, Quincy; G. O. Olson, Eureka; Thos. Bland, Eureka; J. W. 
Bogart, Fall River; George Ott, Madison; W. E. Bancroft, Piedmont, C. 

B. Johnson, Severy. 

Executive Committee. — I. F. Benest, Severy; W. J. Bilson, Eureka; 
Ira Whipple, Eureka; W. O. Smith, Hamilton; Joe Sowder, Toronto; 
Wm. Beedles, Reece; T. O. Sears, Eureka; J. T. Braddock, Madison; 
Perry Clemans, Hamilton; B. M. Brown, Fall River, Ed S. Harris, Virgil; 

C. V. Lodge, Eureka; A. H. Anderson, Eureka; John A. Edwards, Eureka; 
E. F. Gregg, Neal; B. R. Smith, Reece; B. H. Carrithers, Climax; Garth 
McMillen, Piedmont. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Howard J. Hodgson, chairman, 
Eureka; Lew E. Clogston, Eureka; C. E. Moore, Eureka; A. B. Miller, 
Eureka; Mrs. A. B. Huntington, Eureka. 

The first work undertaken by the council was to establish a farm 
bureau with a county agent. A meeting was called, committee appointed, 
membership blanks sent out, and the matter taken before the county 
commissioners, and the Farm Bureau was established. 

Through the initiative of the council the chairman of the council, C. E. 
Moore, was elected secretary of the Greenwood county chapter of the 
American Red Cross, and continued to so serve during all the war; 
and the county took an active part in putting over all the Red Cross 
drives for membership and money, and then the Y. M. C. A. drives, 
Liberty bond drives. Victory loan, and the chairman also acted as county 
food administrator of this county. The council did good service along 
all conservative food drives. 

They looked after the boys as they went to war, and helped in a home- 
coming celebration for the boys, in which the sum of $2,400 was collected 
and expended in their entertainment. Took the matter up with the 
county commissioners of giving each boy an honor badge, and they -con- 
tributed money sufficient to pay for these badges. 

The council took active part in the suppression of slackers, investi- 
gating all cases that were reported to them. 



104 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

HAMILTON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Paul Rich. Syracuse. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — George Getty, chairman, Syra- 
cuse; Emil H. Koehl, Syracuse; Chas. W. Burton, Syracuse; Paul Rich, 
Syracuse; Harry P. Jones, Syracuse. 

HARPER COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Grant Potter, Attica. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Geo. E. McMahon, chairman, 
Anthony; E. C. Wilcox, Anthony; J. G. Washbon, Harper; Grant Potter, 
Attica; J. S. Knowles, Harper. 

HARVEY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — J. C. Mack, Newton; C. A. Seaman; F. L. Greer, 
secretary. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Ezra Branine, chairman, Newton; 
H. W. Hart, Newton; C. L. Foster, Sedgwick; J. C. Mack, Newton; Mrs. 
Henry Hart, Newton. 

The secretary, F. L. Greer, sent in the following report for Harvey 
county: Red Cross drives, $85,000; Y. M. C. A. drives, $70,000; Salva- 
tion Army, $10,000; Knights of Columbus, $8,000; Liberty bond drives, 
$1,900,000; Home Guard recruiting, 220 members. 

HASKELL COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — J. S. Patrick, Santa Fe. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — G. B. Levitt, chairman, Santa Fe; 
J. L. Suavely, Santa Fe; James S. Patrick, Santa Fe; I. S. Patrick, Santa 
Fe; C. G. Dennis, Sublette. 

HODGEMAN COUNTY. 

County Chairman — Roscoe Wilson, Jetmore. 

County Legal Advisory CoTmnittee. — R. H. Wilson, chairman, Jetmore; 
W. S. Kenyon, Jetmore; C. E. Roughton, Jetmore; B. H. Asher, Jetmore; 
A. H. Wilson, Jetmore. 

JACKSON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Devere Rafter, Holton. 

County Legal Advisory Commdttee. — E. D. Woodburn, chairman, Hol- 
ton; DeVere Rafter, Holton; Guy L. Hursh, Holton; H. F. Graham, 
Holton; T. A. Fairchild, Holton. 

JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

County Chairman — F. W. Coleman, Oskaloosa. 

County Legal Advisory Committee — H, T. Phinney, chairman, Oska- 
loosa; H. N. Casebier, Oskaloosa; W. O. Worswick, Oskaloosa; F. W. 
Coleman, Oskaloosa; May E. McLeod, Valley Falls. 

JEWELL COUNTY. 

County Chairman — J. S. Hart, Randall. 

County Legal Advisory Committee — R. W. Turner, chairman, Man- 
kato; R. C. Postlethwaite, Jewell City; W. R. Mitchell, Mankato; I. S. 
Hart, Randall; Lulu Coyner, Mankato. 



, History of Kansas Council of Defense. 105 

JOHNSON COUNTY. 

County Chmrman. — Charles Pettyjohn, Olathe. 

County Legal Advisory Committee — F. R. Ogg, chairman, Olathe; J. 
W. Parker, Olathe; C. B. Little, Olathe; H. W. Wilson, Olathe; Charles 
Ott, Olathe. 

.KEARNY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Dr. C. F. Johnston, Lakin. 

County Legal Advisory Cominittee. — E. R. Thorpe, chairman, Lakin; 
A. R. Hetzer, Lakin; S. S. Tate, Lakin; Dr. C. F. Johnston, Lakin; Ber- 
tram L. Hart, Lakin. 

KINGMAN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. L. Brown, Kingman. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Jno. H. Connaughton, chairman, 
Kingman; Charles C. Calkin, Kingman; S. S. Alexander, Kingman; W. 
L. Brown, Kingman; Clark A. Wallace, Kingman. 

KIOWA COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — A. W. McKinley, Greensburg. 

County Legal Advisory Committee — J. W. Davis, chairman, Greens- 
burg; J. D. Beck, Greensburg; O. D. Underwood, Greensburg; W. W. Mc- 
Kinley, Greensburg; H. M. Lyon, Greensburg. 

■ LANE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — J. A. Simmons, Dighton. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — J. A. Simmons, chairman, Digh- 
ton; Wm. T. Caldwell, Dighton; J. H. Cavanaugh, Dighton; A. L. Lewis, 
Dighton; Mrs. Emma Peck, Dighton. 

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — E. Y. Blum, Leavenworth. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. W. Hooper, chairman, Leaven- 
worth; Jno. T. O'Keefe, Leavenworth; L. H. Wulfekuhler, Leavenworth; 
E. G. Blum, Leavenworth; Mrs. J. K. Codding, Lansing. 

LABETTE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — 0. Gossard, Oswego. 

Members. — J. F. Steele, Parsons; J. B. Dick, Labette; F. M. Wheeler, 
Altamont; A. B. Wilson, Oswego; W. L. Conneway, Edna; H. C. Berg- 
man, Dennis; D. A. Bollinger, Mound Valley; Clarence Silcott, Oswego; 
L. S. Edwards, Chetopa; W. R. Weeks, Wilsonton; J. M. Riker, Oswego; 
R. L. Hillegos, Chetopa; T. J. Short, Chetopa; Tom Sprague, Montana; 
John Wiggins, Oswego; J. M. Dyer, Parsons; August Boecker, Parsons; 
C. G. Whitby, Chetopa; Frank Stephens, Bartlett; A. H. McCarty, 
Valeda; F. E. George, Altamont; J. F. Nelson, Angola; W. L. Hudgins, 
Altamont; C. W. Edwards, Altamont; D. C. Christman, Oswego. 

Officers Red Cross. — O. Gossard, chairman; A. E. Hawke, vice chair- 
man; Mrs. T. A. Cordry, secretary; Kirby Barton, treasurer; Virgil 
Holmes, George Karr, Mrs. Rosa Patrick, Mrs. J. F. Rally, Dr. T. D. 
Blasdel. 

County Legal Advisory Comm,ittee. — C. J. Taylor, chairman. Parsons; 
W. V. Atkinson, Parsons; Nelson Case, Oswego; O. 0. Gossard, Oswego; 
Mrs. Rosa Patrick, Parsons. 



106 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

The county chairman was also chairman of practically every other 
war measure, including the five Liberty loan drives, in which the county 
went over the top. The work of the county was well organized, and made 
a splendid record for itself. 

Mr. 0. O. Gossard gives the following report for Labette county: 
Raised $51,000 on the first Red Cross drive. We did not have a Red 
Cross organization in the county when war was declared; now have the 
Labette county chapter, with an auxiliary in every town, and have about 
$35,000 in the treasury. We went above our quota in every Y. M. C. A. 
drive, and made quota in both Salvation Army and Knights of Columbus 
drives. The county assisted in increased production by better cultiva- 
tion of crops, plowed closer to fences, and even took some fences down 
for the purpose of tilling all the ground. All vacant lots were used as 
gardens, and also some side streets and alleys were used. No com- 
munity cooperated with a better spirit in the conservation of food or 
did more to increase production. Labette county went far above the 
quotas in every loan drive. The Home Guards were well organized at 
Oswego, Edna, Parsons, Labette City, Altamont, and Chetopa. 

LINCOLN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — John J. McCurdy, Lincoln. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — R. A. McFarland, chairman; 
John J. McCurdy, H. W. Rahmeier, Fred Rosworn, J. D. Miller. 

The Loyal League of Lincoln County was organized to assist the gov- 
ernment in the prosecution of the war. At a meeting called November 1, 
at the office of John J. McCurdy, a preliminary organization was formed, 
with the following present: G. A. Wilson, Judge A. Artman, J. S. Stover, 
J. M. Healy, E. A. McFarland, D. L. Carter, Wm. De Vinney, John J. 
McCurdy and E. J. Ryan. This organization was perfected at a meeting 
held November 7, but the charter was not granted until December 19, 
1917, after which the following permanent officers were elected: G. A. 
Wilson, president; John J. McCurdy, vice president; G. W. Robinson, 
secretary; J. S. Stover, treasurer. 

Subsequently the following-named persons were chosen as members of 
the committee, in which were the following divisions: The public-service 
department, the finance department, the military and membership de- 
partment. G. A. Wilson was elected public-service manager; E. A. Mc- 
Farland, manager of the finance department; E. J. Ryan, manager of 
military and membership department. The following-named persons 
were chosen as members of the committee in charge of the following 
departments: Public service, G. A. Wilson, M. J. Healy and John J. 
McCurdy; finance department, E. A. McFarland, J. S. Stover, and D. L. 
Carter"; military and mem_bership department, E. J. Ryan, Judge A. 
Artman, and Will DeVinney. 

Members of the Loyal League were appointed in each township. A 
large number of members were enrolled in this organization, and the 
Lincoln Loyal League became the principal organization in the county 
through which all war activities were handled. The Loyal League at- 
tempted to handle the slacker problem, which was rather a difficult 
proposition. They cooperated with the Council of Defense and sat as a 
court to hear complaints against people who were not doing their share 
in the support of the war or who were expressing any disloyalty or un- 
willingness to support the government. 

When a complaint was made against any persons pertaining to their 
disloyalty or unwillingness to support the government, that report was 
turned over to the secretary of the Loyal League and a statement was 
taken from the person making the complaint, together with the witness 
to prove the charge. This complaint was entered on the investigation 
docket of the League, and the evidence was presented direct to the ac- 
cused person. If the evidence was deemed sufficient, the case was then 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 107 

transferred to the trial docket and given a number; a summons was 
then issued by the secretary of the League, G. W. Robinson, notifying 
the person to appear before the Council of Defense at the courthouse, for 
the purpose of hearing the evidence against them and present their own 
defense. 

The Loyal League made a complete census of the county, in order to 
furnish to the national government names of men who were fitted for 
certain classes of skilled or unskilled work. 

The seed survey was made by the league at the request of Professor 
Jardine, of Manhattan, Kan. E. A. McFarland was appointed county 
food administrator soon after the state committee was organized, and 
continued to serve until the organization was discontinued. 

In the Red Cross drive of June, 1917, the county was thoroughly or- 
ganized by townships under the county campaign manager, Dr. Sarah 
A. Cole. Speakers were sent to different parts of the county, and at a 
meeting attended by John J. McCurdy and G. A. Wilson, sheriff of Lin- 
coln county, a letter was written and prepared in printed form and 
mailed to each township officer in the county asking them to serve in 
the campaign. The county was organized into definite territories, and 
the county campaign manager for Lincoln county was assigned to the 
territory on the Lincoln branch from Lincoln county to the Colorado 
line. This territory extended through the greater part of six counties 
to the Colorado line. Meetings were held at all of the principal towns 
along the line. 

All officers cooperated in the drive with the volunteers who were con- 
ducting it, and not a single slacker was found. Lincoln county raised 
$16,082.59, or over $3,000 more than its quota. 

The second Red Cross drive was handled through the cooperation of 
the Lincoln Loyal League. Dr. Sarah Cole was county chairman and 
John J. McCurdy county campaign manager during these drives. The 
advertising feature and actual management was handled by Harry D. 
Hall and wife, whose knowledge and ability was of great assistance. 

An important meeting was held at the Methodist church of Lincoln on 
Sunday May 19, 1918, where addresses were given by Adjutant General 
Charles Huffman, Rev. A. S. Hale, H. A. Buzick, John J. McCurdy, and 
Governor Capper. The meeting was attended by the tenth battalion of 
the Kansas State Guard in uniform. 

During the following week of the drive headquarters were maintained 
at the city hall, in charge of Dr. Sarah A. Cole and Harry D. Hall. Dur- 
ing the campaign addresses were made by the following persons: John 
J. McCurdy, Mike Healy, Rev. R. L. Hendrickson, A. W. Swayze, A. 
Marshall, Will De Vinney, Miss Clarissa Green, and Dr. Sarah A. Cole. 

The executive committee of the Red Cross during the war consisted 
of the following-named persons: A. Marshall, H. S. Buzick, Dr. Sarah 
A. Cole, W. E. Voile, L. E. Hendrickson, J. A. Schellbenger, A. W. 
Swayze, and J. J. McCurdy. . 

The first Y. M. C. A. drive in Lincoln county occurred during the year 
1918. The amount raised was $3,450. John S. Stover was manager of 
the drive, and the work of raising the funds was done under the direction 
of the Lincoln Loyal League. There was no Y. M. C. A organization in 
the county, but the people responded loyally to its support. 

The Seven-in-One drive took place January, 1919, including the Y. M. 
C. A., Y. W. C. A., the Salvation Army, the Knights of Columbus, the 

War Camp Community Service, and . This was conducted 

under the direction of Mr. Ban Painter, of Beverly, assisted by the Loyal 
League of Lincoln county. 

The people of Lincoln county at all times patriotically and cheerfully 
complied with and obeyed all the food regulations that were made, and the 
success of the movement was largely due to the hearty cooperation of the 
people. There was an increased acreage of wheat planted in the fall of 
1917, but the yield was disappointing as the crop was very nearly a 



108 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

failure. Again in the fall of 1918, a still larger acreage of wheat was 
put out which yielded an immense crop of fine wheat, but wet weather 
and high prices of labor made even the result of this crop unsatisfactory. 

Fair-price regulations were early put into effect and flour and sugar 
were rationed, but everyone had plenty and nobody suffered. When the 
call came for the return of surplus flour for redistribution there were in 
round numbers 40,000 pounds returned in the county, which was redis- 
tributed. This allowed the mills of the county to fill some war contracts. 

Lincon county was one of the best organized counties in the state and 
furnished a complete record of proceedings. We regret that it is impos- 
sible for us to print this in full, but the foregoing gives a brief outline of 
the active war-time service in the county. 

LINN COUNTY. 

War Council County Chairman. — Fred W. Pollman, La Cygne. 

Secretary. — Mr. Fisher, La Cygne. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Jno. O. Morse, chairman. Mound 
City; Jno. A. Hall, Pleasanton: Chas. F. Trinkle, La Cygne; Fred W. 
Pollman, La Cygne; J. S. Palling, Pleasanton. 

LOGAN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — J. R. Young, Oakley. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — C. A. Spencer, chairman, Oakley; 
W. H. Wagner, Russell Springs; S. E. Cary, Russell; J. R. Young, Oak- 
ley; Mrs. S. D. Hubberly, Oakley. 

LYON COUNTY. 

Officers. — W. C. Hughes, chairman County Council; J. M. Silvey, sec- 
retary. 

Members. — H. P. Hood; Jud O'Conner; C. A. Paine; J. F. Kenney; 
Tom Owens; Archie Hunter. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — H. E. Ganse, chairman, Emporia; 
W. L. Huggins, Emporia; W. N. Smelser, Emporia; Howard Dunlap, 
Emporia; Geo. R. Jones; Emporia. 

Mr. J. M. Silvey, secretary of the Lyon County Council of Defense, 
gives the following report for the work done in Lyon county by the 
Council of Defense: 

I doubt very much if there was a more loyal, hard working, and con- 
sistent council of defense in the state than the one in Emporia, with Mr. 
W. C. Hughes, chairman. Other members of the committee were: J. M, 
Silvey, secretary; H. P. Hood, Jud O'Connor, C. A. Paine, J. F. Kenney, 
Tom Owens, and Archie Hunter. This council of defense worked hand in 
hand with every campaign organization on all war activity drives. 

This committee also assisted in carrying on campaigns for increased 
production, for the marketing of food stuffs, and through publicity and 
education acquainted the people with the needs of the government in war 
activities. 

Special mention should be given to Messrs. W. C. Hughes, J. F. Kenney, 
H. P. Hood, and Tom Owens, our sheriff. They never hesitated, day or 
night, to go to any part of the county to adjust any difficulty that may 
have arisen; and any time that they heard of a slacker, regardless of 
whether it was hoarding or failure to subscribe, this committee always 
gave it immediate attention. This committee also put on campaigns for 
war gardens, which were very successful, and worked right with the 
food price committee, in addition to the work of the Red Cross. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 109 

MARSHALL COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — E. R. Fulton, Marysville. 

Members. — F. H. Westerman, Bremen; J. H. Moore, Oketo; Chas. 
Guise, Oketo; S. C. Dugan, Summerfield; F. G. Bergen, Summerfield ; C. 
A. Christianson, Bremen; J. G. Ellenbecker, Marysville; P. R. Puleine, 
Home City; R. S. Pauley, Beattie; John Carney, Axtell; Peter Behm, 
Marysville; F. E. Mayer, Marysville; W. H. Dexter, Home; J. J. Tilley, 
Frankfort; Frank Laun, Axtell; M. Delaney, Waterville; F. S. Paul, 
Blue Rapids; John C. Cottrell, Irving; T. H. McConchie, Frankfort; N. 
A. Brubaker, Bigelow; J. M. Rhodes, Frankfort; Wm. F. Robinson, Ver- 
million; Father Fitzgerald, Frankfort; James Fincham, Blue Rapids; 
W. W. Potter, Marysville; C. E. Nichols, Waterville. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. W. Redmond, chairman, 
Marysville; E. A. Berry, Waterville; W. J. Gregg, Frankfort; E. R. 
Fulton, Marysville; Robt. L. Helvering, Marysville. 

Mr. E. R. Fulton gives the following report of the work done in Mar- 
shall county: 

Every drive that was put on in Marshall county was met with en- 
thusiastic support, and we went "over the top" in all of them. The quotas 
assigned to the county in all the drives, including the Liberty loan and 
Victory loan, were more than taken in every case. 

Patriotic meetings were held in every town in the county and in many 
schoolhouses. Marshall county did not have a single slacker. Home 
Guard companies were organized and uniformed in nine towns in the 
county. 

We have a large German population, but they were loyal and gave full 
support to every call. 

Mcpherson county. 

County Chairman. — B. A. Allison, McPherson. 

County Legal Advisory Committee — P. J. Galle, chairman, McPher- 
son; F. O. Johnson, McPherson; G. F. Grattan, McPherson, B. A. Alli- 
son, McPherson; Mrs. S. S. Bostion, McPherson. 

MEADE COUNTY. 

County Chadrman — Louis Boehler, Meade. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — H. Llewelyn Jones, chairman, 
Meade; A. T. Bodle, jr., Meade; R. M. Painter, Meade; Louis Boehler, 
Meade; Mrs. W. F. Fee, Meade. 

MIAMI COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — David Lauver, Paola. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Frank M. Sheridan, chairman, 
Paola; Alpheus Lane, Paola; Frank J. Merrill, Paola; D. B. Allison, 
Paola; Miss L. D. Miller, Paola. 

MITCHELL COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — B. F. Bracken, Beloit. 

Members of Committee. — C. C. Blair, R. G. McKinnie, P. M. Fuller, 
F. L. Smith, J. B. Steichen, J. O. Evans, B. C. Gulp, J. F. Robinson, 
Robert Good, O. A. Brice, L. A. Mergen, Dr. H. A. Hope, D. M. Finney, 
and T. H. McCall. 

The report from Mitchell county is as follows: While we have not 
kept any particular record of our work, we responded to every call and 
gave assistance in all or nearly all of the drives for money for war work 



110 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

and sale of Liberty bonds. Special assistance was rendered in arranging 
for seed wheat for our farmers and increasing the food supply in our 
community. The school children in the various towns of the county were 
organized and interested in making gardens. The individual members of 
our unit were at all times engaged in the various war activities. 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — R. R. Bittman, Independence. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — T. B. Tomlinson, chairman, Inde- 
pendence; Thomas Wagstaff, Independence; Charles D. Welch, Coffey- 
ville; R. R. Bittman, Independence; Harry Halsey, Independence. 

MORRIS COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — M. E. Leatherwood, Council Grove. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Harry E. Snyder, chairman, 
Council Grove; Edwin Anderson, Council Grove; M. B. Nicholson, Coun- 
cil Grove; M. E. Leatherwood, Council Grove. 

MORTON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Mayo Thomas, Elkhart. 

County Legal Advisory Coonmdttee. — Edgar Roberts, chairman, Elk- 
hart; Mayo Thomas, Elkhart; W. D. Thompson, Richfield; Mayo Thomas, 
Elkhart; Mrs. F. M. Mason, Elkhart. 

NEMAHA COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Rev. A. J. Morton, Seneca. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. G. Higgins, chairman, Sa- 
betha; C. C. K. Scoville, Seneca; Geo. W. Hook, Sabetha; Rev. A. J. 
Morton, Seneca; R. M. Emery, jr., Seneca. 

MARION COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Homer Hoch, Marion. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. H. Carpenter, D. W. Wheeler, 
Homer Hoch, B. D. Van Ostrand; J. D, Leppey. 

The report as given by the chairman : It will be impossible for me to 
give any detailed account of the work done in our county. I was also 
county food administrator, and the work of the county council of defense 
was never organized in our county in a very systematic way, as my time 
was taken up very largely with the food administration, as well as with 
duties on the legal advisory board and other war activities. However, 
we did a great deal of work, cooperating with local organizations in 
various parts of the county and with citizens generally. Our first ac- 
tivity was in promoting food production. This was before the food ad- 
ministration's work had gotten under way. We conducted an educational 
campaign through circulars and newspaper advertisements. Personally 
I did considerable work in answering official inquiries with reference to 
applicants for citizenship, and in similar matters. Of course we cooper- 
ated in every way we could in the various war drives. 

NEOSHO COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Wilbur F. Allen, Chanute. 

County Legal Advisory Com/mittee. — J. J. Jones, chairman, Chanute; 
H. P. Forrelly, Chanute; R. B. Smith, Erie; Wilbur F. Allen, Chanute; 
A. E. Crall, Erie. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. Ill 

The county chairman of Neosho county, as in many other counties, 
was chairman of many other important committees connected with war 
activities, including food administrator, all of which were handled in an 
able manner. 

The report of the work done in Neosho county, made by C. P. Traxel, 
shows that this county did its share in winning the war. War gardens 
were encouraged, as well as farmers encouraged to increase crop produc- 
tion. Squads were organized from among the business men to assist the 
farmers in shocking and stacking their wheat. 

Our people were loyal in using the substitutes for both flour and sugar. 
They were liberal in buying bonds and in their contributions to the war 
activities. Last summer when there seemed to be a shortage of labor, 
our oil men passed a resolution to the effect that they would shut down 
every drilling rig in this county and allow their workers to assist the 
farmers in saving the grain, but this was not necessary, because of the 
help given by the merchants, both in Erie and Chanute. 

Our city and county responded liberally in every call, whether for the 
sale of bonds, war savings stamps, or contribution to the Red Cross, 
Y. M. C. A., or any other activity. Practically a house-to-house canvass 
was made in all these drives, and we also assisted the rural districts in 
raising their quota. Every assistance was given to filling out the ques- 
tionnaires, as well as free legal advice to soldiers and their families, 
and every means taken to see that no soldier or soldier's family was 
taken advantage of while he was in the service. 

The work of these various organizations were so intertwined that we 
find it hard to mention separately the work done through the council of 
defense. 

NESS COUNTY. 

Cotinty Chairman. — Howard I. Floyd, Ness City; W. P. Miner, treas- 
urer; Miss Frances Pausch, secretary. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Roy H. Baer, chairman; Ness 
City; W. D. Miner, Ness City; Lorin Peters, Ness City; Howard I. Lloyd, 
Ness City. 

The county council of defense was organized in a broad and compre- 
hensive way to take care of all of the war activities of Ness county. The 
county chairman of each department of war work was given a place on 
the executive council of the county council of defense. The chairmen of 
the various townships in the county were : C. D. Foster, Center township ; 
M. C. Buffington, Franklin township; Carl Newcomer, Waring township; 
Rev. J. M. Briggs, Nevada township; W. E. Traylor, Ohio township; Miss 
C. N. Harkness, Eden township; Geo. S. Stullken, Bazine township; 
John Bondurant, Highpoint township; D. C. Jones, Johnston tovniship; 
F. E. Mathes, Forrester township. 

Previous to the selection of the above-mentioned chairmen, a county 
campaign was conducted for the purpose of familiarizing the citizens of 
the county with the purpose of the organization, and also to impress upon 
them the seriousness of the situation at that time and of the necessity 
of team work in carrying out the work that would be assigned our county 
by the government from time to time. At least one meeting was held 
in each township and several speakers, including ministers, lawyers, 
teachers and business men, would address these meetings. At the con- 
clusion of each meeting the organization for that particular township 
would be perfected. 

It was deemed advisable to put through each of the drives of the 
various war activities for the county by means of one and the same 
organization, the county council of defense, rather than to have a sepa- 
rate organization for each branch of the war work, and with this in view 
the county chairman appointed as his executive committee all the chair- 
men of the various war activities, as follows : Mrs. Elizabeth P. Foulks, 
chairman county Red Cross; A. S. Foulks, chairman county Y. M. C. A.; 



112 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

A. W. Wilson, chairman county Liberty bond drives; Mrs. G. N. Raffing- 
ton, chairman Women's division Liberty bond drives; 0. L. Lennen, 
chairman county four-minute men. 

In addition to the above, the following were named as members of the 
executive committee: Mrs. Grace Beardslee, secretary of the county Red 
Cross; Wm. D. Miner, treasurer of county Red Cross; Prof. 0. J. Wier, 
superintendent Ness City schools; E. B. Hopper, cashier Citizens' Na- 
tional Bank of Ness City. 

The executive committee had general supervision of all war work in 
the county. Each particular drive was in charge of the chairman of that 
particular branch of the war work, but all of them were put through the 
same channel — the executive committee of the county council of defense 
and the several township organizations. It was found that by using the 
same committees for all the drives they became more and more efficient 
with each succeeding drive. 

One of the first and most important things done by the executive com- 
mittee was to compile a card index for the county. On these cards was 
kept a complete record of the contributions and war activities of each 
individual in the county who had attained an age where they should do 
something. Where little or nothing was being done by any one, pressure 
was brought to bear, and after the first drive or two practically everyone 
in the county did his "bit." 

In order to keep up the enthusiasm and interest in the war work, 
county-wide meetings, called patriotic meetings, were held from time to 
time in Ness City. At one of these meetings President T. W. Butcher, of 
the State Normal School, was the principal speaker. He delivered a 
scholarly and highly patriotic address, which did much to arouse our 
people to a realization of their duty in the war. 

There were two county food administrators for Ness county during 
the existence of the war — the writer, who served for the first year, and 
H. D. Miner, who served for the remainder of the war. Under these 
administrators much hoarded food was returned to the stores throughout 
the county, and all orders of the state and national food administrations 
were carried out. 

October 28, 1919. 
Hon. Howard I. Floyd, Ness City, Kan. : 

Dear Sir — You asked me to furnish you with some information con- 
cerning the activities of the American Red Cross in Ness county, and 
especially as to what had been accomplished by our chapter since its 
organization in June, 1917. 

Replying, beg to state that our people have contributed to the cause 
through us during the two years since the above date approximately 
$29,000 in cash. 

We have forwarded to the bureau of supplies at St. Louis, Mo., 85 
boxes containing the f ollovnng finished articles : 

Surgical dressings, consisting of bandages, compresses, pads, rolls, etc 20,081 

Pairs of men's socks 2,920 

Men's sweaters 1,336 

Other knitted articles, consisting of wristlets, mufflers, helmets, etc 718 

Hospital garments, consisting of pillows and cases, pajamas, shirts, socks, napkins, 

towels, etc 4,720 

Refugee garments (children's and infant's clothing and underclothing) 681 

Total . . . 30,456 

We have also collected and forwarded 4,570 pounds of shoes and 
clothing for the destitute people of the war-stricken districts of France 
and Belgium. Very truly yours, 

Wm. D. Miner, 

Treasurer Ness County Chapter, 

American Red Cross. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



113 



The same plan of campaign was followed in each drive. As soon as 
the quota for the county was received from the district committee, the 
county chairman called a meeting of the township chairman to discuss 
plans for the campaign and agree upon quotas for the different townships. 
Dates for public meetings in the different townships were agreed upon, 
which meetings were presided over by the chairman of the township in 
which the meeting was held, and advertising matter distributed through 
the township chairman. 

The county chairman conducted a discussion of the campaign in the 
county newspapers and assisted the township chairman in organizing his 
committee and conducting their public meetings. During the first drive 
a complete card index of the county' was made, which was used in the 
other drives. A complete canvass of each township was made by the 
committee, traveling in pairs, the drive usually being made in one day, 
and subscriptions were taken, after which the township committee com- 
pared their lists, and if it was found that some had not subscribed that 
should have they were revisited by some members of the committee and 
the work continued until the township quota was raised, reports being 
made to county chairman at close of each day. The following is a list 
showing the drives, by townships, giving quotas and amounts raised : 

Third Liberty Loan. 

Township. Quota. Subscribed. 

Bazine $18,150 $16,400 

Center 13,000 31,950 

Eden 9,600 8,450 

Franklin 11,250 13,150 

Forrester 7,600 8,250 

Highpoint 10,550 10,800 

Johnston 6,400 3,500 

Nevada 16,100 20,200 

Ohio 15,300 15,150 

Waring 16,250 19,550 

Totals $124,200 $147,400 

Fourth Liberty Loan. 

Township. Quota. Subscribed. 

Center $30,285 $38,400 

Waring 30,156 32,000 

Nevada 30,156 31,700 

Bazine 28,057 28,250 

Ohio 20,188 23,650 

Franklin 13,447 17,650 

Highpoint 14,415 14,450 

Eden 10,511 11,950 

Forrester 11,610 5,850 

Johnson 4,675 4,800 

Totals $193,500 $208,700 

Victory Loan. 

Township. Quota. Subscribed. 

Nevada $20,000 $35,200 

Center : 20,000 26,100 

Ohio 14,000 17,850 

Waring 20,000 21,900 

Eden 8,000 8,700 

Franklin 9,000 9,150 

Highpoint 10,000 4,400 

Bazine 19,000 7,400 

Forrester 8,000 3,250 

Johnson 3,400 700 

Totals $132,600 $134,650 

The loan committee of Ness county raised the quota by townships, 
instead of the quotas given the banks, however the banks were credited 
with all subscriptions taken through them, and the following results 
were obtained: 



8 — C. Def. — 5487 



114 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 



$156,800 



Subscription. 
$13,400 
29,450 
11,500 
27,500 
36,300 
44,050 
27,700 
16,350 
6,600 



Third Liberty Loan. 

Bank. Quota. Subscription. 

Arnold State Bank, Arnold $7,800 $7,000 

Bazine State Bank, Bazine 9,100 20,850 

Beeler State Bank, Beeler 3,400 6,500 

Brownell State Bank, Brownell 12,200 20,150 

Citizens' National Bank, Ness City 35,100 30,200 

National Bank of Ness City, Ness City 26,100 36,100 

First State Bank, Ransom 17,000 20,550 

Citizens' State Bank, Utica 13,500 15,000 

Railroads 450 

Totals $124,200 

Fourth Liberty Loan. 

Bank. Quota. 

Arnold State Bank, Arnold $13,500 

Bazine State Bank, Bazine 20,500 

Beeler State Bank, Beeler 5,500 

Brownell State Bank, Brownell 15,250 

Citizens' National Bank, Ness City 44,000 

National Bank of Ness City, Ness City 44,000 

First State Bank, Ransom 38,000 

Citizens' State Bank, Utica 12,750 

Railroads 

Totals $193,500 

Victory Loan. 

Bank. Quota. 

Arnold State Bank, Arnold $9,350 

Bazine State Bank, Bazine 9,450 

Beeler State Bank, Beeler 4,100 

Brownell State Bank, Brownell 14,850 

Citizens' National Bank, Ness City 36,450 

National Bank of Ness City, Ness City 25,600 

First State Bank, Ransom 21,000 

Citizens' State Bank, Utica 11,800 

Net credit outside of county 

Totals $132,600 $134,650 

WAR SAVINGS STAMP CAMPAIGN. 

In addition to being chairman of the Liberty loan committee for Ness 
county, A. W. Wilson was made county director for war savings stamps, 
and conducted the general campaign through the schools and banks of 
the county and put on the drive of June 28, 1918, at which time the 
school boards of more than sixty school districts in Ness county held a 
meeting and took pledges for war savings stamps. The drive was held 
during harvest time, and was not well attended; nevertheless, through 
the work of the various school boards an appeal was made to each family 
in the county with very few exceptions and their pledge taken when pos- 
sible. This drive was not so successful as the Liberty loan drives, and 
the quota was not reached, the quota for Ness county being $137,320 
while $43,783 worth of stamps was actually sold, or an average for the 
county of $7.65 for each individual. This campaign was conducted by 
the holding of public meetings and speakers assigned for at least two 
school districts in each township on the Sunday afternoon before the 
time set for the drive. Stamps were sold at all the post oflfices and banks 
in the county. The literature for the conducting of the school-district 
meetings for seventy-eight school districts in the county with the returns 
for said meetings was all handled direct from the office of the county 
director. 

NORTON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — N. L. Johnson, Norton. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — R. W. Hemphill, chairman, Nor- 
ton; L. H. Thompson, Norton; W. S. Cannon, Norton; Willard Sim- 
mons, Norton; N. L. Johnson, Norton. 



$212,850 



Subscription. 

$9,350 

9,500 

8,400 

15,850 

21,000 

25,650 

26,250 

11,650 

7,000 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 115 

OSAGE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — T. J. O'Neil, Osage City. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — J. T. Pringle, chairman, Bur- 
lingame; C. T. Neihart, Lyndon; C. G. Messerly, Osage City; T. J. 
O'Neil, Osage City; Wm. Powell, Burlingame. 

OSBORNE COUNTY. 

Officers. — President county war council, W. A. Layton, Osborne; 
vice president, F. C. Everitt, Osborne; secretary, Allis Babcock, Os- 
borne; treasurer, D. C. Henderson, Osborne. 

Executive Committee. — W. A. Layton, B. P. Walker, E. R. Farwell, E. 
O. Henshal, Mrs. W. A. Layton, D. C. Henderson, R. E. Brodrick, C. E. 
Rarick, Allis Babcock, F. C. Everitt. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — N. C. Else, chairman, Osborne; 
W, E. Machin, Osborne; Harvey McCaslin, Osborne; W. A. Layton, Os- 
borne; Mrs. M. D. Larosh, Osborne. 

In April of 1918, Osborne county organized a war council which was 
to control and direct all war activities in the county. This was organized 
at a public meeting of the county, and Hon. W. A. Layton was elected 
chairman; Rev. F. C. Everitt, vice chairman; D. C. Henderson, treas- 
urer, and Allis Babcock, secretary. The Council was composed of the 
chairmen of all the various war activities in the county. This war coun- 
cil had an office in the courthouse, and paid the secretary a small salary 
(which was set by the secretary) , and maintained other office expenses 
from a fund of $1,200 which was set aside by the county commissioners 
for this purpose. The chairman, Mr. Layton, gave all his time, and the 
other members of the council gave such time as was necessary for the 
carrying on of their various departments. This sum was so economically 
handled that it was sufficient to maintain the office for fifteen months, 
which it could not have done if everyone had not given every possible 
help both in time and service. Each town and township in the county 
then appointed or elected a town or township chairman of war activities, 
and that chairman named a committee varying in number as he saw fit. 
Some of the committees had twelve or fifteen members, and some had 
only four or five. These committees pledged themselves to assist in and 
direct every war activity that was given them to direct. With this or- 
ganization the county was able' to raise its quota in nearly every drive 
and to direct such other war work as became necessary. Following is an 
explicit report by drives of quotas and amounts raised. 

Quota. Subscription. 

First Red Cross war fund $20,000 $22,364.65 

Third Liberty loan 242,000 353,750.00 

Second Red Cross war fund 14,800 17,256.87 

Fourth Liberty loan 360,000 412,450.00 

United War Work campaign 18,000 19,919.00 

Armenian relief and French orphans 6,000 3,272.18 

Fifth or Victory loan 252,000 335,950.00 

War savings stamps 274,000 256,000 . 00 

The first Young Men's Christian Association drive and the two first 
Liberty loan campaigns were put on before the council was organized. 

The agricultural production of wheat and corn, this county's main 
crops, was probably not materially increased, as this county was all un- 
der cultivation before the war, and every acre was planted to some 
sort of crop, but during the war, extra effort was made that no land 
should be wasted, and every bit of available ground was in some sort 
of crop requested by the government. The production of garden stuff 
was very materially increased, since nearly every household had home 
gardens and all vacant lots in the towns were planted to some sort of 
crop. Threshing committees over the county saw to it that all grain was 



116 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

properly and economically harvested and threshed, and registered every 
threshing machine owner, in order that all machines should be used. A 
free labor bureau was carried on by the War Council to furnish harvest- 
ers and threshers to the farmers, so that all crops could be saved. This 
labor bureau, under Mr. Layton's direction, did very efficient service. 
Garden clubs were organized among the children, and every practical 
means of encouraging production was energetically used. 

Food conservation was strictly and consistently enforced, and every 
merchant, baker and restaurant man, and all those who dealt with food 
in large quantities reported loyally and regularly to the food chairman. 
There was no slacking in Osborne county among the merchants or other 
handlers of food, and a hearty cooperation with the government program 
was found in almost all cases. Food conservation by private individuals 
was universal and patriotic. In the one or two cases of hoarding that 
were reported the War Council was able to effect a correction by the 
force of public opinion or by reporting to the district attorney. The food 
conservation pledges were signed and a thorough drive put on in all parts 
of the county, with fine results. 

Public meetings were held, community sings organized in all parts of 
the county, in every drive, and all possible occasions for the encourage- 
ment of a patriotic feeling. Material was furnished to ministers and 
schools for patriotic sermons, speeches and four-minute talks at the pic- 
ture show. Schools were encouraged in patriotic programs, and flag 
drills, and I think everything was done to encourage and foster a public 
patriotism. 

Slackers were reported to the district attorney; moral suasion and 
public opinion was used, and in two cases, without the knowledge or 
sanction of the War Council, yellow paint was used. Osborne county 
was very free of slackers, but the few we had were dealt with as severely 
as the district attorney would back us up in dealing. 

Home guards were recruited in all the towns in the county, and were 
furnished with uniforms by the county. They drilled regularly and 
guarded the elevators and railroads when the government wished it. 
They have only recently disbanded. 

OTTAWA COUNTY, 

County Chairman. — A. Kay Wells. 

County Legal Advisory Comtnittee. — E. C. Sweet, chairman, Minne- 
apolis; D. F. Boyse, Minneapolis; Roy Gaflford, Minneapolis; A. Kay 
Wells, Minneapolis; Dr. C. D. Clarke, Minneapolis. 

At the request of the county chairman, Mr. C. C. Davis, county clerk, 
sent the following report: 

Red Cross drives, total for the county, including all drives, $52,865; 
Y. M. C. A. and Salvation Army drives, including all drives, $23,803. 

Increased Agricultural Production and Food Conservation Drives. — 
These drives were worked to the limit, having had the county organized 
with committees in almost all the townships. Public meetings were held 
and the work pushed all during the war. 

Liberty bond drives, $837,350; Victory loan drives, $299,500. 

Promotion of Patriotism. — This was worked through the schools, 
churches and different orders, carried on by public speaking and the dis- 
tribution of literature. 

Suppression of Slackers. — This branch was handled by the draft board. 
At the outbreak of the war they published the law dealing with slackers, 
also appealing to the loyalty of the people. We had no slackers. 

Home Guard Recruiting. — We had five companies of Home Guards 
recruited in the county and several more applications for charters in at 
the time of the signing of the armistice. Also furnished G company, 
137th Infantry, National Guards, first going to the Mexican border, then 
to France, where they made a world's record, as history will show. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 117 

PAWNEE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — H. M. Halloway, Larned; Dr. J. A. Dillon, Lar- 
ned; Harvey Eckert, Larned. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. H. Vernon, Larned, chairman; 
H. S. Rogers, Larned; G. W. Finney, Larned; H. M. Holloway, Larned; 
Mrs. A. A. Doerr, Larned. 

PHILLIPS COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. H. Brandt, Phillipsburg; W. D. Womer. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. A. Barron, chairman, Phillips- 
burg; J. F. Gray, Kirwin; Wm. Kingery, Phillipsburg; W. H. Bandt, 
Phillipsburg; Mrs. C. P. O'Leary, Phillipsburg. 

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Geo. M. Bittman, Wamego. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — E. M. Brunner, chairman, Wa- 
mego; E. C. Brookens, Westmoreland; Maurice Murphy, St. Marys; 
Geo. M. Bittman, Wamego; H. G. McPherson, St. Marys. 

PRATT COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Thad. C. Carver, Pratt. 

County Legal Advisory Comm-ittee. — Wm. Barrett, chairman, Pratt; 
R. F. Crick, Pratt; Wm. B. Hess, Pratt; Thad. C. Carver, Pratt; Mrs. 
A. Wellis, Pratt. 

List of Chairmen of To^vnship Committees. — McClellan township, S. 
W. Konkel, Cullison; Elm township, W. H. Brown, Sawyer; City of 
Sawyer, F. C. Trillingham, Sa'v\'yer; Banner township, F. L. Farnsworth, 
Cullison; Ninnescah township, Charles S. Moon, Pratt; Logan township, 
I. T. Ramsey, Pratt; Carmi township, S. J. Allmon, Preston; city of 
Preston, R. B. Haines, Preston; McPherson township, R. B. Sanders, 
Pratt; north half of Center township, Ezra Elliott, Pratt; Haynesville 
township, M. H. Hays, Preston; Paxon, J. R. Wheatley, Sawyer; Spring- 
vale township, Jas. G. Johnston, Cullison; Grant township, Charles Har- 
per, Coats; Lincoln township. J. J. Moore, Byers; Valley township, E. L. 
Fitzsimmons, Cunningham; Naron township, C. L. Battin, Fravil; luka 
township, F. M. Young, luka; city of Pratt, H. E. Shrack, first ward; 
S. P. Gebhart, second ward; W. B. Hess, third ward; A. A. Cochran, 
fourth ward; Saratoga township, A. J. Brehm, Pratt; Gove township, 
H. E. Hiskett, Isabel; city of Coats, L. L. Orr, Coats; Richland township, 
L. M. Hutchison, Cullison; south half of Center township, Ray Clark, 
Pratt. 

Will say that Pratt county was very loyal, exceptionally so, in all its 
support to the war measures. The Red Cross drives in all cases were 
oversubscribed ; the same with the Y. M. C. A. drives and the Salva- 
tion Army drives — in fact, all of the drives of every nature pertaining 
to war work in Pratt county v/ere subscribed to enthusiastically, and 
with very few exceptions Pratt county was loyal. The Council of De- 
fense had very little trouble in raising their subscriptions, and more too. 
The county was thoroughly organized. There were about two hundred 
workers, divided into twenty-four precincts. It required only about 
three or four hours' time for us to make a complete survey of our county. 

The Liberty loan drives were exceptionally good, all loans being over- 
subscribed. We had very little work along the line of suppressing slack- 
ers, as we had so few of them. Our Home Guard did efficient work, 
and was well organized. From my knowledge of Pratt county, I feel free 
to say there is no county more patriotic in the United States, and I 



118 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

certainly appreciate the support that everybody gave me when I called 
upon them for help. The members of the Council of Defense in Pratt 
county were prompt in their response and untiring in their work. We 
cannot speak too highly of the war activities for Pratt county. 

RAWLINS COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. A. P. Falconer, Atwood. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — M. A. Wilson, chairman, Atwood; 
J. H. Briney, Atwood; E. E. Howard, Atwood; C. A. P. Falconer, At- 
wood; S. C. Price, Atwood. 

RENO COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Will S. Thompson. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — F. L. Martin, chairman, Hutchin- 
son; J. S. Simmons, Hutchinson; A. C. Malley, Hutchinson; Will S. 
Thompson, Hutchinson; Mrs. Fred W. Cook, Hutchinson. 

The county chairman was also county food administrator. He was 
greatly assisted in his work by Ralph Hemingway, Haven; J. C. Regier, 
Buhler; Charley Hornbaker, Castleton; F. C. Field, Pretty Prairie; E. 
O. Allmon, Turon; Mr. Sharp, Langdon; R. M. Taylor, Arlington; Geo. 
H. Yust, Sylvia; J. N. Hinshaw, Plevna; Mr. Haskard, Partridge; J. E. 
Humphrey and Chas. Wooddell, Nickerson. 

The duties of this committee were very arduous and exacting, and 
consisted of the promulgation of the rules and regulations of the food 
department and the insistence of the observance of the meatless days, 
issuing all sugar permits, and the seeking out of sugar and flour hoard- 
ers, of which there were very few. 

Through the cooperation of the assistants throughout the county, an 
overseer was appointed for every township in the county, who was given 
direct charge of all threshing machines in their respective townships, to 
the end that they personally examined the threshing machines and 
separators, so as to minimize the amount of wheat going into the stack 
and hauling to market by the farmers of their wheat as rapidly as the 
elevators in the county could take care of the grain. 

Various petitions were carried through the county soliciting the sig- 
natures of the housewives, in which they agreed to observe all the rules 
and regulations as they were issued from the food department, and look- 
ing towards the conservation of all food and eliminating all waste. 

Will S. Thompson was county fuel administrator, with the same as- 
sistants over the county as acted in the food department. Through their 
activities the distribution of coal was systematically rendered, and in no 
instance were any of the schools or hospitals in the county closed for 
lack of fuel. Their duties consisted of keeping in active touch with the 
receipts of coal in their communities and an equitable distribution per 
family, to the end that while coal was very scarce and hard to get no one 
actually suffered for the lack of fuel. 

Reno county had the honor of supplying the state fuel administrator, 
viz.. Senator Emerson Carey. Reno county also furnished a member of 
the speakers' bureau of the State Council of Defense, viz., Will S. 
Thompson. 

The chairman of the county council had charge of the disposition of 
Smileage books in Reno county. All were sold and accounted for. He 
together with C. O. Hitchcock and V. M. Wiley were the committee hav- 
ing in charge the solicitation of applicants for the first and second officers' 
training camps. Mr. Harry W. Chabin was in charge of the government 
employment agency. 

Red Cross. — The first Red Cross drive our quota was $55,000; we 
raised $68,919.88. The second Red Cross drive our quota was $85,000, 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 119 

and we raised $103,268.22. Mr. C. M. Branch was treasurer and L. E. 
Fontron was chairman. 

Liberty Loan Drive. — Our figures were unavailable for the first and 
second drives. The third drive the quota was $426,300; the total sub- 
scribed, $793,100. The fourth drive our quota was $823,750; total sub- 
scribed, $1,149,300. The fifth drive our quota was $746,600; total sub- 
scribed, $873,550. Mr. E. W. Meyer was chairman for the county for 
all three of these drives. 

War Savings Stamps. — Mr. Bert E. Mitchner was chairman. The 
county's quota was $885,900; total subscribed, approximately, $965,000. 

Armenian Drive. — Was in charge of C. H. Humphreys, but I am sorry 
to state no figures are available, but we exceeded our quota. 

Y. M. C. A. — V. M. Wiley was chairman. These figures are not ob- 
tainable, but we also went over the quota in that. 

Knights of Columbus. — Was in charge of Doctor Carhart. These fig- 
ures are not available, but this also went over the top. 

REPUBLIC COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. W. Copeland, Belleville. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Nelson J. Ward, chairman, Belle- 
ville; W. D. Vance, Belleville; R. E. McTaggart, Belleville; C. W. Cope- 
land, Belleville; Dr. D. E. Foristall, Belleville. 

RICE COUNTY. 

Officers. — County chairman, Harry Taylor, Lyons; vice chairman, 
Rev. E. C. Osen, Lyons; chairman Liberty loan committee, J. D. Zimmer- 
man, Sterling. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — L. E. Quinlan, chairman, Lyons; 
Ben Jones, Yyons; Fred P. Green, Sterling; Harry Taylor, Lyons; Mrs. 
D. J. Fair, Sterling. 

RILEY COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. R. Yenawine, Manhattan. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Jno. C. Hessin, chairman, Man- 
hattan ; Alvin R. Springer, 'Manhattan ; Chas. Hughes, Manhattan ; W. 
R. Yenawine, Manhattan; Mrs. Allie L. Stingley, Manhattan, 

ROOKS COUNTY. 

Officers. — County chairman, Frank M. Smith, Stockton; secretary, B. 
B, McReynolds, Plainville. 

Executive Committee. — C. M. Burroughs, Plainville; P. D. Scott, 
Woodson; Wm. Edwards, Webster; C. L. Miller, Palco; F. W. Hage- 
meister, Stockton. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — O. O. Osborne, chairman, Stock- 
ton; W. B. Ham, Stockton; E. G. Spealman, Stockton; Frank M. Smith, 
Stockton; H. A. Butler, Stockton. 

The first move made was to secure increased food production, as the 
outbreak of war had found agricultural conditions in Rooks county the 
worst in years. The corn crop of 1916 had been almost a total failure,, 
being considered by the authorities as making but five bushels to the acre. 
In the fall of 1916 the farmers had heard the cry of "the world is starv- 
ing," and had planted 220,000 acres of wheat, but the winter had been 
one of the worst for wheat in the history of the county, and in the 
spring of 1917 it was found that practically all had winterkilled. In 
fact, only about 11,000 acres was ever cut, and that made only three 
bushels to the acre. 



120 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

This was not a bright prospect, but the committee went to work, work- 
ing in harmony and in cooperation with various other patriotic organiza- 
tions and with patriotic farmers in every locality, and sufficient good 
seed corn was secured and sentiment stirred up until almost every acre 
was planted to a spring crop, the reports showing 204,000 acres of corn, 
and 25,000 acres of feed crops, almost three times the normal acreage; 
and over 40,000 acres of spring grains, five times the normal acreage. 

But the season of 1917 proved to be the most disastrous in many years, 
and this wonderful acreage was almost a total loss, so much so in fact 
that the average value of all crops raised in the county was only $2.30 to 
the acre. Many farmers with hundreds of acres of corn did not even 
get one bushel of grain. 

A record of the success of the various drives for war funds of all 
kinds will be found elsewhere, but Rooks county is satisfied that its re- 
sponse will be found to have compared favorably with that from counties 
whose average value of crops to the acre was well over $30. Many 
times it was almost a puzzle to the committee where the money for the 
war activities could possibly come from, yet always it came, and willingly. 

As fall approached the committee began an investigation of the seed- 
wheat proposition, and found that all told there was only about 100,000 
bushels of wheat in the county. In the spring there had been only 130,- 
000 bushels in storage and much of this had been sold as unfit for seed, 
while the harvested crop had been only about 30,000 bushels (as computed 
in Topeka — possibly 10,000 bushels would be nearer the truth). Fur- 
thermore many of the less prosperous farmers were short on funds, and 
the financial circumstances of the more fortunate was not satisfactory. 

At this time the state committee of the Council of Defense offered a 
proposition to furnish seed to farmers for one-fifth of the crop delivered 
at the nearest elevator. The farmers were to pay twenty per cent of the 
cost of the seed, which twenty per cent was to be returned to them when 
the wheat was sold. With this hope before them the committee organized 
the county for a "biggest wheat acreage" campaign, operating with a 
finance committee on which were representatives of all the banks in the 
f*ounty and a wh^^at distributing committee on which were representa- 
tives of all the elevators, while still other committees were organized 
from representative business men and farmers in many localities. 

However, when the county was fully organized and the local work of 
providing the twenty per cent had been completed, it was discovered that 
the State Council of Defense could not raise sufficient money to furnish 
the seed wheat. So the proposition was dropped, although later about 
3.000 bushels of wheat was distributed on this plan. But local banks and 
business men came to the rescue and somehow seed was secured by the 
elevators, money was found to pay for it, and almost 200,000 acres of 
wheat was planted in the fall of 1917. 

But nature seemed to have something against the community, 
and the winter of 1917-'18 proved almost as disastrous as that of the 
previous year, and with the spring it was found that 130,000 acres had 
winterkilled. This left about 220,000 acres for spring crops, or to be 
left vacant until fall. The committee investigated and found that there 
were less than 15,000 bushels of seed corn in the county and very little 
other good seed of any kind. Also the drain upon the available laborers, 
both to the army and navy and to industrial work in more prosperous 
communities, had begun to be noticed. 

However, a county-wide campaign was made on the basis that "the 
nation must be fed," and somehow seed was secured for all, money was 
found for many who had lost all they had during the previous failures, 
and the records show that almost 110,000 acres of corn was planted, over 
45,000 acres of small grains, and almost 60,000 acres of feed crops, 
mostly sorghums, which was three times the usual feed acreage. There 
was only a very small acreage which was not planted to some spring 
crop. 

The season of 1918 was almost as disastrous to crop production as 
that of 1917, and the 70,000 acres of wheat which was considered as cut 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 121 

was only figured at Topeka as making seven bushels to the acre, while the 
corn crop was considered as making four bushels. However, all feeds 
were scarce, although perhaps not so much so as the previous year. The 
stock in the county had been greatly reduced in numbers during these 
two seasons of failures, hogs in particular being reduced from 15,000 to 
4,000 head. In this way the feed was made to go further, but even then 
many farmers had to send their stock out of the county to be wintered. 

The fall of 1918 found sufficient wheat seed in the county, but the 
financial condition of many was such that they could not buy it. The 
committee, working with other committees in this and other counties, 
urged Federal aid to farmers; and when the news of the government's 
proposition reached Rooks county the old organization was reestablished, 
and a campaign for a big acreage made, with the result that again 
200,000 acres of wheat was planted. Also several thousand acres of 
rye was put in for good measure. 

And then in November, 1918, the war ended. Rooks county had not 
furnished grain to aid in winning the war, but her record of planting 
one-half to two-thirds of her acreage to two crops each year, and losing 
all for two full years, should be considered by those in more favorable 
portions of the state as an example of the patriotism of the farmers of 
western Kansas. They could not make their crops grow, but they could 
and did do all that humans could do. Considering these circumstances 
Rooks county feels that it can be proud of its increased agricultural 
production drives. 

THE RED CROSS. 

The Rooks County Red Cross was organized on June 23, 1917, at 
Stockton, the county seat. Mrs. Harry Butler was the first county chair- 
man, Mrs. Ruby Sweet was vice chairman, Miss Franc Chipman was 
secretary, and Mrs. P. M. Reeves was treasurer. All regular committees 
were organized and work commenced at once. Mr. H. A. Butler had 
charge of the home-service work. 

As the first war fund drive was over the county made no campaign, 
but instead made a drive for memberships, the same to be good until 
January, 1918. On July 4, 1917, the local chapter conducted a general 
tag-day celebration, and in one day secured over 500 new members at 
Stockton alone. * 

Branches were immediately established, on the assumption that the 
entire county was to form one chapter, under the name of The Rooks 
County Chapter of the Red Cross. Local campaigns and contributions 
for materials came in rapidly, and much work was completed in a short 
time. 

On September 20, 1917, the first draft boys left Stockton, and the 
chapter gave a supper and entertainment in their honor. 

On January 2, 1918, authority came from headquarters to divide the 
county into two chapters, one having headquarters at Stockton and the 
other at Plainville. The county was then divided equitably to the satis- 
faction of all, and the chapter at Plainville began work with Mrs. B. B. 
McReynolds, of Plainville, as chairman. On the same day the Junior 
Red Cross was organized as the Stockton chapter, with Miss Kate Gerken 
as chairman. However, Miss Gerken did not serve, and later Miss 
Elizabeth Cooper was made chairman. The other Junior officer named 
was Archie Lukins, who was soon replaced by J. B. Riseley. 

The Christmas roll call was made a big success in both chapters; 
almost every family in the county was enrolled, with at least one mem- 
bership. Refugee work was added in February, and during the same 
month many auxiliaries were organized, so that each community might 
have an active working unit. 

In March Mrs. Butler resigned as chairman, and Vice Chairman Ruby 
Sweet was made chairman. Mrs. S. S. Smith became vice chairman. In 
April regular offices were established to care for the rapidly increasing 
work. 



122 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

May 16, 1918, was set aside at Stockton as Red Cross day, and a gen- 
eral celebration with aution sales was had. Several hundred dollars 
was raised for the work. A severe tornado struck Codell, in this county, 
in April, killing several people and destroying most of the town. The local 
Red Cross chapters of the county did all that could be done to aid the 
unfortunates. 

May 24, 1918, was made the big day for the second war fund drive. 
Community dinners were given, and a common white duck was placed on 

sale, with Travis, of Plainville, as auctioneer. How many times 

the duck was sold is not reported, but the total sale price of the duck was 
over $1,300. The Stockton chapter raised $6,750, while the Plainville 
chapter raised over $6,000 for the war work. 

Other sales were held at various times, raising several hundred 
dollars for the chapter, while all the branches and auxiliaries had sales 
and entertainments of all kinds to. keep up interest in the work and to 
provide the necessary money for materials. 

In the fall of 1918 the state headquarters suggested that all of Rooks 
county should make one chapter, and with this suggestion in view ar- 
rangements were made to unify under the name of Rooks County Chap- 
ter. At the time the union was suggested all the schools in the Stockton 
chapter but four had organized Junior Red Cross units, and most of the 
units were hard at work. The Plainville chapter had made no attempt to 
organize the junior work. 

Early in November, just before the armistice, united meetings were 
held to perfect a county chapter, and by a vote of 26 to 10 it was agreed 
that the chapter headquarters should be at the county seat. An election 
was held, but the entire executive committee was chosen from the Plain- 
ville chapter as a protest to the union idea. The state officers thereupon, 
seeing that local elements could not successfully cooperate, dissolved the 
county unit and reestablished the two chapters. 

During this general misunderstanding, however, both chapters worked 
at top speed, and produced their full quota of every description, and 
raised money by various and novel methods. 

The Christmas roll call of 1918 was celebrated in both chapters with 
success, almost every family again contributing to the membership fund. 
The officers for 1919 for the Stockton chapter were Mrs. H. C. Sweet, 
chairman; Mrs. Dr. Colby, vice chairman; Miss Flo Jackson, treasurer, 
and Mrs. Olmer Adams, secretary. The Plainville chapter continued 
substantially its old officers. 

As the war was over most of the work gradually was discontinued, and 
the chapters put on a peace basis. The community, however, is continuing 
its two local chapters in case of future emergencies. 

A member of the Stockton chapter, Mrs. Chill Neal, had perhaps the 
best record as a knitter of any woman in the state. She received the 3-bar 
badge of honor. 

Mrs. H. C. Sweet, chairman during the latter part of the war, also re- 
ceived the 3-bar badge as a recognition of the work she gave to the success 
of the Red Cross. 

VARIOUS DRIVES. 

The Y. M. C. A. drive in 1917 was celebrated in Rooks county, and the 
county, although the quota was but $1,250 raised $2,550 for the work. 
The officers of the drive were: O. O. Osborne, of Stockton, chairman; 
Chas. Coolbaugh, of Stockton, treasurer; W. B. Ham, captain of North 
side, and Earl Gillispie, captain of the South side. 

A Knights of Columbus drive was made in the south side of the county, 
raising several hundred dollars for their work. No Salvation Army drive 
was made during the war. Other organizations received contributions, 
but did not make county-wide drives. 

The United War Work drive was a success in Rooks county. The same 
officers who made the Y. M. C. A. drive go also handled this campaign, 
which secured $12,000 in the county. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 123 

BOND DRIVES. 

Although the county was hard run in money matters, due to a row of 
crop failures, no excuses were accepted when the bond drives were made, 
and under the chairmanship of Earl Gillispie, of Plainville, the county 
either equalled or approximated its quota in every drive, although the 
quotas were usually much higher than government ofRcials would have 
made them had they known the exact local conditions. 

GUARDS. 

The Rooks County Home Guards were organized at Stockton on Sep- 
tember 7, 1917, with J. Q. Adams as president; J. C. Foster, vice presi- 
dent; Dr. E. E. White, surgeon; I. L. Perkins, secretary; and Chas. Rise- 
ley, treasurer. The original members numbered 102, several being as old 
as 70 and 74 years, while the youngest was scarce 16. R. C. Johnson was 
appointed marshal of the company. The organization continued active 
until the State Guards were organized, in April, 1918. The members 
bought uniforms and drilled faithfully. 

On April 23, 1918, in accord with orders from the state adjutant gen- 
eral, the Home Guards became Company A of the Twenty-second battal- 
ion of State Guards. Later, in May, 1918, Company B was also organized 
at Stockton, giving two companies of about a hundred men each at the 
county seat. Company C was organized at Plainville, and Company D at 
Woodston. 

These units drilled faithfully, and encouraged all young men of mili- 
tary age to enlist before they were called into service, so that they might 
know a few of the fundamentals before entering the "mill." On several 
occasions the entire county had battalion drill at first one town and then 
another, with all four companies represented. 

The two Stockton companies purchased President Wilson's picture at 
a Red Cross sale for $260, as a gift to the Red Cross, donating the picture 
to the Stockton public library. At the Rooks county fair the battalion 
gave a three-day encampment, and entered a contest for the best drilled 
team. Ten companies competed, the four Rooks county teams, Portis, 
Alton, Wa Keeney, Hays City, Logan and Kirwin. Alton won the banner 
and Kirwin won second place in the contest, which was judged by Major 
Max Anderson and Adjutant General Huffman. 

A National Guard unit was recruited to the number of 46 men, but as 
it was not desired by the government it was later mustered out. 

FOOD ADMINISTRATION. 

H. C. Sweet, of Stockton, was food administrator of Rooks county. He 
built up an organization covering the larger towns of the county, and 
successfully enforced all orders of the food administration with the mini- 
mum of friction, and without any prosecutions. 

FUEL ADMINISTRATOR. 

Chas. Riseley, of Stockton, was fuel administrator of Rooks county, 
and handled the fuel orders so that they were obeyed, yet without caus- 
ing friction or bitter feelings against the government. 

PREWAR ACTIVITY. 

At the time the news came that Belgium was starving the citizens 
of Rooks county raised several thousand dollars and sent two carloads of 
flour from Rooks county to the Belgium Relief Commission. Most of the 
men who aided in this prewar work later gave their fullest cooperation 
to the war activities above mentioned, so it is unnecessary to name them 
again. 

This campaign was especially successful in that it definitely established 
sentiment in the county so that later there was no trouble in suppressing 
slackers, and it was not necessary to take any artificial measures to 
promote patriotism. The people were whole-hearted with the war, and 
gladly gave to the cause both their sons and their money. 



124 History of Kansas Council of Defense, 

RUSH COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Frank U, Russell, Hutchinson; James H. Little, 
Hutchinson. 

County Legal Advisory Comnvlttee. — W. H. Russell, chairman, La 
Crosse; H. L. Anderson, La Crosse; J. W. McCormick, La Crosse; Frank 
U. Russell, La Crosse; J. E. Andrews, La Crosse. 

The war activities of Rush county, as reported by F. U. Russell, 
follows : 

Rush county is largely populated with residents of foreign birth or 
blood, and it was with regret that a large number of them found war 
the inevitable issue. However, by patriotic effort on the part of many 
much was done, and in the end Rush county was not behind others in 
her work for American protection and vindication. 

LIBERTY LOANS. 

The first and second Liberty loan drives were not thoroughly success- 
ful, due to a lingering apathy toward war work on the part of many, due 
to a failure to realize the full necessity of it. 

The third loan and fourth loan were well taken care of, and the Vic- 
tory loan as well. Mr. Howard Baker, who was county Liberty loan 
chairman for these later drives, gave himself to the work without stint, 
sacrificing business interests and activities and time to make the county's 
work successful. He was loyally supported by many willing workers, and 
Rush county went over the top. 

AMERICAN RED CROSS. 

The county history of the American Red Cross was one that reflected 
credit on all the citizenship of the county. The first organization of the 
work was in the spring of 1917, when a county chapter was formed. 
From that time forward every call of a divisional or national head- 
quarters was answered. Frank U. Russell, mayor of La Crosse, who 
called the first meeting for preliminary organization, became later an 
executive worker and Red Cross captain in France and Belgium. 

H. W. Grass, who was for the greater part of the war time at the 
head of the Red Cross drives, is a successful banker of La Crosse, and 
he gave all the talent, energy and organizing ability that had made his 
own business successful to putting over this humanitarian work. James 
H. Little, W. H. Russell and others also were very active and efficient in 
pushing the drives. 

Y. M. C. A. AND OTHER SIMII,AR WAR WORK. 

W. A. Hayes was the Y. M. C. A. leader for most of their work and 
all the drives for that organization were successful, due very largely to 
his talent and tact and ability in enlisting the interest and aid of others 
over the county. 

The Allied War Work drive received strong support also throughout 
the county. 

WOMEN'S WAR WORK. 

Under the leadership of Mrs. Louise Bellport, Mrs. Grace Arnold, 
MiTs. H. L. Anderson, and Mrs. Florence Bunn, and many others, the 
women's work of the Red Cross and other organizations was pushed with 
unremitting energy, and a vast amount of work to help soldiers was ac- 
complished. 

COUNTY DEFENSE COUNCIL. 

Frank U. Russell was chaii-man of the County Defense Council until 
in 1918 he resigned to go overseas. The work of this organization was 
mostly inconspicuous, and such as tended to strengthen other organiza- 
tions' work. Once Mr. Russell, who was also prosecuting attorney at 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. *125 

the time, had a socialist orator put in the county jail for opposing the 
operation of the draft law, and afterward when the same agitator came 
back a second time the city of La Crosse incarcerated him for the same 
offense. Later another agitator who was making the smaller towns and 
schoolhouses was given the same medicine until he promised to be loyal 
and quit the state. 

James H. Little took the County Defense Council work after Mr. 
Russell's resignation, and carried it forward very effectively until the 
end of the war. 

THE ADVISORY BOARD. 

W. H. Russell, as chairman of the advisory board gave many weeks 
to helping soldiers and prospective soldiers with their difficulties in rela- 
tion to questionnaires, etc., as did also most of the other attorneys of the 
county. 

THE LOCAL BOARD. 

L. H. Robertson and E. A. Kirkpatrick, assisted at different times by 
Doctors Baker, Attwood and Bryan, did a strenuous and self-sacrificing 
work. Theirs was the most unpleasant and responsible duty of all. They 
incurred the displeasure of many and the praise of few during the heavy 
hours of their work, but the people as a whole now appreciate their work 
at its true worth, realize their absolute honesty and their wisdom, and 
know what a debt of gratitude is due them for the days and nights of 
unrequited toil these men gave for their country's sake. Never were 
there truer, nobler hearted and more helpful men than they in local 
patriotic work. No man who went to the front showed any finer loyalty 
and self-sacrifice than did these men. 

LAST AND MOST OF IMPORTANCE. 

Rush county sent many volunteer soldiers to the front as well as 
giving her proper quota in all the calls. Eleven of her men died in the 
war, and many were wounded or injured in health. In the great cause 
in which so much was due the people of this county did their part all 
along the line, but the part of the soldier was the most dangerous, the 
most necessary, and the most to be applauded now, and such remains the 
disposition of our people. 

RUSSELL COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — H. M. Laing, Russell. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — L. B. Beardsley, chairman, Rus- 
sell; G. W. Holland, Russell; J. G. Vogelgesang, Russell; H, M. Laing, 
Russell; Mrs. D. W. Gower, Russell. 

The excellent work done in Russell county is given in the following 
report from the chairman: 

"Immediately upon being delegated to assume charge of this organiza- 
tion we called in about forty representative men, from as many locali- 
ties in this county, and organized by electing a secretary and delegating 
twenty men from the various sections of the county to act as vice chair- 
men, whose duty it was to look after such activities as might come under 
the supervision of the Council of Defense; also to see to it that all avail- 
able land was put into crops and to assist farmers in locating seed and 
labor to do this; also to report any suspected lawless character and any 
destruction of property in his locality. We think much good was ac- 
complished by this organization." 

Fuel Administration. — A man was delegated (who was not a dealer) 
inl each town to look after that feature, each of whom we were in close 
touch with at all times; dealers' profits must not exceed pre-war period. 
Fuel was conserved, yet there was no suffering because of any shortage 
of it. 



126. History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

U. S. War Camp Activities. — Each bank in the county was delegated 
as custodian of supplies; suggesting that they report directly to district 
chairman. This plan was accepted by him, and we have no report of 
amount remitted. 

U. S. Public Service Reserve. — Several men were sent to ship-building 
cantonments, and a labor bureau was organized, with headquarters at 
Russell, with deputies residing in various sections of the county, dele- 
gated to assist vice chairmen of the Council of Defense in their locality 
in rendering any possible service relative to local labor. 

The first two drives there was no organized force at work, conse- 
quently no record at hand of the amount sold in the county. There are 
twelve banks in the county and we think they were all doing business. 

First Liberty loan drive, two Russell banks $18,850 

Second Liberty loan drive, two Russell banks ill, 350 

Third Liberty loan drive, Russell county 293,800 

Fourth Liberty loan drive, Russell county. ...•••• 396,800 

Fifth or Victory loan drive, Russell county 241,250 

Total loan drives, Russell county, ten banks not reporting and not called for, $1,062,050 
United War Worlc or Seven-in-One Drive. 

United war work $23,196.00 

War saving stamps 251,000 . 00 

Salvation Army 1,996 . 26 

Total $276,192.26 

State Guards. — A good Home Guard organization developed into an 
organization of State Guards, with a membership in the county of a 
little over 400. 

Many men and women throughout the county deserve much credit for 
devoting time and energy that the one purpose might be accomplished. 
They realized that it was everybody's war, and were ready to perform 
any duty to the extent of their ability. 

The Council of Defense as an organization did not have charge of or 
take part in the various drives, except when asked to suggest suitable 
persons to assume that duty. All "drives" known to us or heard of by 
us were presented and "put over the top" by those having them in charge, 
assisted by the cooperation of the people generally. We are not in 
possession of data that will enable us to report in detail the methods 
used in these drives, but know that they were very similar to those of 
the Council of Defense herein contained. 

Red Cross, 1917-'19. 

Officers. — E. U. Carter, chairman; J. M. Mahoney, vice chairman; 
Mrs. F. S. Hawes, secretary; Chas. E. Hall, treasurer. 

Standing Committee Chairmen. — A. A. Roth, Finance; Mrs. L. Banker, 
Production; S. S. Miller, Membership; Mrs. D. W. Gower, Home Service; 
Mrs. F. R. Culbertson, Publicity; Mrs. S. S. Miller, Nursing Service; 
Caleb A. Bodmer, Junior Membership; D. E. McKean, Military Relief; 
Leland P. Clarke, Conservation. 

Branch Chairman. — Bunker Hill, H. F. Briggs; Dorrance, Mrs. J. J. 
Weber; Gorham, Mrs. J. E. Baxter; Lucas, Mrs. J. Walmer; Luray, Mrs. 
W. B. Daniels; Pioneer, Thos, Carter; Waldo, Mrs. Frank Meeker; 
Paradise, Mrs. Cyrus Henry. 

First war drive $13,463 . 20 

Second war drive : 15,036 . 04 

Membership drive 6,602 . 00 

Contributions to Russell county chapter 18,961 . 13 

Total, Russell county $54,062 . 37 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 127 

Red Gross Production Department. 

Total amount of work done by Russell chapter, American Red Cross : 

Surgical dressings 39,830 

Hospital and refugee garments 3,487 

Knitted articles 1,213 

Property bags, comfort kits 242 

Bedside tables (Junior work) 26 

Other articles Junior work not available. 

Cooperation of women and girls was the custom in this department. 

SALINE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — F. D. Blundon, Salina. 

Legal Advisory Committee. — Thomas L. Bond, chairman, Salina; Z. C. 
Milliken, Salina; C. W. Burch, Salina; F. D. Blundon, Salina; Mrs. Min- 
nie Steifel, Salina, 

The original members of the Salina Council were: C. W. Burch, 
chairman; John J. Eberhardt, vice chairman; C. I. Vessey, treasurer; 
T. S. Jamison, secretary; Judge F. D. Blundon, F. C. Bulkley, E. R. 
Erickson, George M. Hull, Judge B. A. Mason, Dr. E. R. Cheney, C. F. 
McAdams, Carl T. Johnson, J. P. Burns, John Bell, Joe Lockard, James 
S. Martin; August Anderson. 

To these were added many other names as subchairmen of the various 
precincts, wards and townships, who responded willingly to all calls 
made upon them. There was probably not a county in the state that 
more conscientiously and efficiently, by its war work, backed up one of 
the best bunches of soldiers that ever shouldered guns. 

The following from a letter from the vice chairman gives a good re- 
port for Saline county: 

"We went 'over the top,' splashingly, in every single drive carried on 
during the war. We influenced capable and influential men to oversee 
food conservation, increased agricultural production, promotion of pa- 
triotism, suppression of slackers, etc., and I can personally vouch for one- 
hundred-per-cent efficiency, so far as actual results were concerned. 

"We instructed our local Red Cross workers to work just as con- 
stantly and vigorously as possible regardless of funds available, in the 
promise to influence citizens to assume the added obligation during sub- 
sequent drives. For example, our last Red Cross quota was $27,000 and 
we had incurred about $18,000 in debts, hence announced our quota as 
$50,000, but the vigilance committee so impressively interviewed certain 
'tightwads' that when the final figures were announced we had in actual 
pledges something over $90,000. 

"Our last Liberty bond drive exceeded $1,300,000, and the United 
War Work campaign, with an increased quota, because of failure in crops 
in western Kansas, amounted to $60,000. We received in pledges a little 
over $15,000 in excess of the amount asked, but this was accepted and 
solicited with the understanding that the excess was to be used for other 
commendable activities, such as welfare Jewish relief, Y. M. C. A., etc. 
I might add in passing that our last three campaigns were conducted 
along volunteer lines where citizens came to booths on our main street 
corners and pledged the entire quota in one or two days." 

SCOTT COUNTY. 

County Chairtnan. — H. A. Russell, Scott City. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — R. D. Armstrong, chairman, 
Scott; C. M. Starr, Scott; Leo T. Gibbens, Scott; H. A. Russell, Scott; 
Mrs. Lillian M. CoflSn, Scott. 

SEDGWICK COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — L. H. Powell, Wichita. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — D. M. Dale, chairman, Wichita; 
Henry C. Sluss, Wichita; Kos Harris, Wichita; L. H. Powell, Wichita; 
Mrs. J. O. Davidson, Wichita. 



128 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

SEWARD COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Ray Millman, Liberal. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — V. H. Grinstead, chairman, Lib- 
eral; Clyde R. Commons, Liberal; G. W. Sawyer, Liberal; Ray Milliman, 
Liberal; H. A. Gaskill, Liberal. 

In Seward county the work of the County Council of Defense was in 
cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, which effectively assisted 
in most of the war activities. The chairman reports that he could write 
many columns about the work done by his county, but sums it up in the 
following statement: 

"I may say generally that v^th the exception of the food and fuel 
administration work, the rest of the war work was 'carried on' by the 
Chamber of Commerce, which paid all the expenses of the Liberty loans, 
the war savings and the Red Cross drives. The chairmen for the Liberty 
loans and the war savings was C. E. Woods, and the Red Cross drives 
was Chas. Summers. The secretary for all the drives and the adminis- 
trator for the food and fuel was Ray Millman. 

"From the Council of Defense there was created a committee in sup- 
port of the Chamber of Commerce committee in making the different" 
drives, and the evidences of slackerism was investigated and subdued 
by that committee, and there was some work to be done. Three cases 
were cited to the Federal authorities. 

"We always went over the top with some to spare in the Liberty loan 
drives, and more than doubled the Red Cross drive the last time. 

"In the food administration there were several fines imposed, and 
a reputation gained in making the conservation about air tight. 

"The women's committee under Mrs. Osa Nichols and Mrs. O. M. 
Woods, for the Liberty loan and conservation work did much for the suc- 
cess of the drives. Also, Mrs. W. E. Wilson, who made the first organiza- 
tion that was placed in the county for the women. 

"There were two organizations for guards, the state Home Guards 
and the National unit. The Home Guard is now past history; was mus- 
tered out recently. The National Guards are fully equipped, and is 
known as Company E, K. N. G. 

"The farmers generally obeyed the injunction to increase the acreage. 
Seward county did its part, and is as yet willing to keep up the lick. 
The local Red Cross chapter is up to the minute in its work." 

SHAWNEE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — H. W. McAfee, Topeka. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Thomas F. Doran, chairman, 
Topeka; E. S. Quinton, Topeka; Clay Hamilton, Topeka; Fred Voiland, 
Topeka; Mrs. Horace L. Hall, Topeka. 

SHERIDAN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Charles H. Beers, Hoxie. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. H. Clark, chairman, Hoxie; 
W. F. Schultheis, Hoxie; F. A. Sloan, Hoxie; Charles H. Beers, Hoxie; 
Rev. E. L. Humphrey, Hoxie. 

SHERMAN COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. M. Millisach, Goodland. 

Members. — A. D. Stewart, C. J. Shimeal, J. J. Knight, Wm. Walker, 
jr., E. E. Hartwell, W. J. Detwiler, W. A. Sexson. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — E. F. Murphy, chairman. Good- 
land; John Hartzler, Goodland; C. C. Perdieu, Goodland; C. N. Millisach, 
Goodland ; Rev. V. M. Beebe, Goodland. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 129 

To report of the war work in Sherman county briefly I will state that 
every move and every drive in war work in Sherman county was an over- 
the-top success. The Red Cross drive, Y. M. C. A. drives, Salvation Army 
drive, Knights of Columbus drives all went enthusiastically over the top. 
Sherman county also will show a large increase in the production of all 
kinds of food products, including cattle and hogs. All Liberty loan drives 
went over 100 per cent; also the Victory loan. As evidence that patriotism 
was a strong factor in Sherman county there never was during the war 
but one or two slackers showed their heads. 

SMITH COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — A. C. Coolidge, Smith Center. 

County Legal Advisory Committee — I. M. Mahin, chairman, Smith 
Center; A. W. Relihan, Smith Center; L. C. Uhl, jr., Smith Center; A. C. 
Coolidge, Smith Center; Dr. F. H. Relihan, Smith Center. 

STAFFORD COUNTY. 

County Chairm,an. — Frank S. Larabee, Stafford. - 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Paul R. Nagle, chairman, St. 
John; Ray H. Beals, St. John; Wm. Dixon, St. John; Frank S. Larabee, 
Stafford; Mrs. David Jackson, St. John. 

STANTON COUNTY. 

Cotinty Chairman. — John Plummer, Johnson. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — C. A. Gillum, chairman, Fisher; 
R. J. Shulter, Johnson; Chas. Van Meter, Johnson; John Plummer, John- 
son; R. J. Shutter, Johnson. 

STEVENS COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. F. Bell, Hugoton. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — C. T. Parker, chairman, Hugoton; 
W. S. Bayless, Hugoton; John Kelly, Hugoton; C. F. Bell, Hugoton; J. s'. 
Stout, Hugoton. 

SUMNER COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — T. A. Hubbard, Wellington. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. T. McBride, chairman, Wel- 
lington; James Lawrence, Wellington; Ed T. Hackney, Wellington; T. A. 
Hubbard, Wellington; Mrs. Fred Garland, Wellington. 

On account of illness of the chairman the report from Sumner county 
was delayed. This county as well as all the other counties did its part in 
the various war activities that were assigned to it. 

THOMAS COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — James Fitzgerald, Colby. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — E. H. Benson, chairman, Colby; 
Asa M. Smith, Colby; V. L. C. Smith, Colby; James Fitzgerald, Colbv' 
D. H. Passell, Colby. 

TREGO COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — W. C. P. Rhoades, Wa Keeney. " 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — L T. Purcell, chairman, Wa- 

Keeney; S. M. Hutzell, Wa Keeney; Herman Long, Wa Keeney; W. C. P. 

Rhoades, Wa Keeney; John R. Parsons, Wa Keeney. 

9 — C. Def. — 5487 



130 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

WABAUNSEE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — A. S. Allendorph, Alma. 

County Le^al Advisory Connmittee. — Wm. Bowes, chairman, Alma; 
J. R. Moreland, Eskridge; C. B. Henderson, Alma; A. S. Allendorph, 
Alma. 

WALLACE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — George E. Ward, Sharon Springs. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — D. R. Beckstrom, chairman,, 
Sharon Springs; Clyde King, Sharon Springs; George Cox, Sharon 
Springs; George E. Ward, Sharon Springs. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — J. C. Goody, Washington. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — Edgar Bennett, chairman, Wash- 
ington; S. H. Hamilton, Washington; J. R. Hyland, Washington; J. C. 
Goody, Washington; F. C. Baldwin, Washington. , 

WICHITA COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — C. S. Heath, Leoti. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — W. C. Dickey, chairman, Leoti; 
E. E. Denning, Leoti; Frank Campbell, Leoti; Clyde Freeland, Leoti. 

WILSON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — E. D. Mikesell, Fredonia; D. E. LaDow. 

County Legal Advisory Ccmmittee. — E. D. Mikesell, chairman, Fre- 
donia; P. C. Young, Fredonia; J. T. Cooper, Fredonia; C. W. Shinn, 
Neodesha; Mrs. J. C. McDonald, Neodesha. 

WOODSON COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — Mrs. R. H. Trueblood, Yates Center. 

County Legal Advisory Committee. — G. H. Lamb, chairman, Yates 
Center; S, C. Holmes, Yates Center; S. C. Holcomb, Yates Center; Mrs. 
R. R. Trueblood, Yates Center; Miss Vinnie Ream, Yates Center. 

WYANDOTTE COUNTY. 

County Chairman. — H. H. Daniels, 514 Kansas avenue, Kansas City. 

County Legal Advisory ComTruittee. — A. L. Berger, chairman, Kansas 
City; Maurice L. Alden, Kansas City; O. L. Miller, Kansas City; Wm. E. 
Bomhart, Kansas City; Miss Tarlton Bellis, Kansas City. 



WOMAN'S COUNCIL OF DEFENSE FOR KANSAS. 



REPORT OF THE WOMAN'S COMMITTEE, NATIONAL 
COUNCIL OF DEFENSE, KANSAS DIVISION, 

TO THE STATE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE, KANSAS DIVISION. 

Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, Chairman. 

On behalf of the Woman's Committee, National Council of Defense, I 
wish to report the following activities : 

Our first work since the last meeting was in connection with the 
Liberty loan. In that campaign two-thirds of our county chairmen acted 
as county chairmen for the Woman's Liberty Loan committee, and it 
is estimated that the Woman's Liberty Loan committee sold $12,000,000 
worth of bonds. 

In May our committee assisted in the second Red Cross war fund 
campaign in many counties, making a house to house canvass. In many 
counties the woman's committee has helped and is helping in the war 
savings stamp campaign. 

Our Child Welfare department has been carrying on the Children's 
Year campaign of the Federal government. This is an effort to save the 
lives of 100,000 babies in the United States this year who otherwise would 
be needlessly sacrificed. 

Child welfare chairmen have been appointed in forty-three counties 
and cities, and the extensive plans of the government through the Chil- 
dren's Bureau are being worked out in these counties. Just as rapidly 
as possible this work will be extended over the rest of the state. 

The government campaign has been coordinated with the plkns of the 
State Board of Health and the U. S. Public Health Service, thus making 
the Kansas plans for the care of children very extensive and compre- 
hensive, and also promising of great returns. 

The Committee on Women in Industry, cooperating with the Industrial 
Welfare Commission, is giving especial attention to women in industry 
and their relations to the war. The committee is urging protection for 
women in industry, not only to safeguard the labor supply, but to con- 
serve the nation's human resources. The work of this committee is 
mainly educative. It is teaching that exploited womanhood does not 
make for labor strength. 

This committee suggested to the Industrial Welfare Commission the 
idea of a state war board to make recommendations as other boards have 
for women in industry, but in making these recommendations to have 
for its first consideration the winning of the war. 

The Committee on Women in Industry is campaigning for retail store 
conservation, and is urging the placing of a limit of ten hours a day 
upon all stores in general where the public is accommodated, urging that 

(131) 



132 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

this reduction in the excessive hours of labor in stores in general would 
not only reduce the high cost of doing business, and thus tend to reduce 
prices, but that it would conserve a vast amount of light and fuel during 
the coming winter. 

I have resolutions from this committee to present for your considera- 
tion. They read as follows: 

"Whereas, The shorter work day has been legislated for women in 
many of the states of our Union ; and 

"Whereas, The public is being educated to the idea of the early closing 
of stores in the larger cities as a result of such legislation ; and 

"Whereas, The smaller towns of the state still hold to the old estab- 
lished custom of closing the stores when the customers become scarce in 
number ; and 

"Whereas, We are satisfied that this custom renders it impossible to 
obtain efficient clerical force without the payment of additional wages; 
that this involves a higher overhead expense, and a resultant high price 
for articles sold; and , 

"Whereas, Furthermore, we believe that stores which are open for 
business twelve or fourteen hours a day are giving the public an exces- 
sive and totally unnecessary service, and are as great an avenue of waste 
as the excessive delivery system against which the government has been 
contending; and 

"Whereas, We believe that a reduction in the excessive hours of labor 
in stores in general would not only tend to reduce the high cost of doing 
business, and thus tend to reduce prices, but it would undoubtedly result 
during the coming winter in an immense saving in light and fuel ; there- 
fore, be it 

"Resolved, That we, the Committee on Women in Industry, Council of 
Defense, Kansas Division, Woman's Committee, do heartily indorse the 
movement which has already been suggested as a war measure, placing 
a limit of ten hours a day, not only upon grocery stores and other stores 
selling articles of food, but upon all stores in general where the public 
is accomgiodated. 

Linn A E. Bresette, Chairman, 

Mrs. C. J. Evans, 

Mrs. Margaret Grandle, 

Miss Mary Hickman, 

Miss Pearl Leighty, 

Miss Florence Warner, 

Laura French, 

Committee on Wom,en in Industry." 

Mrs. Amy Walker Field says of them : "It is a relief to get this fresh 
view point on retail store conservation. I hope you will be able to give 
this resolution wide publicity." 

T. H. McManus, mercantile representative of the Council of Defense, 
state of Kansas, writes : "Wish to advise we heartily approve and indorse 
the movement. It has been noticed that there is no possible advantage 
in keeping the stores open fourteen hours per day. The customary un- 
reasonable store hours has been brought about by short-sighted mer- 
chants trying to outdo the other." 

W. P. Innes, Federal food administrator for Kansas, writes: "This 
will have special attention at a meeting we will hold at Kansas City on 
the 28th and 29th. There is a zonal meeting, representing five states. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 133 

There will also be joint resolutions from Washington, and I will try and 
get indorsements to this work." 

Emerson Carey, state fuel administrator for Kansas, writes that 
"I have your resolutions under date of June 19, indorsing the shorter 
business hours for Kansas retail stores. This is in line with my ideas. 
Rest assured this movement has my sympathy." 

Our committee has cooperated with the extension department of the 
agricultural department in carrying on food demonstrations in many 
counties of the state. 

Through our educational department we have distributed Americaniza- 
tion cards, circulars on community centers, and the Fourth of July patri- 
otic program; also supplied a great many calls for the study program 
for clubs which are prepared by the Woman's Committee, National Coun- 
cil of Defense, at Washington. 

In cooperation with the speakers' bureau, Council of Defense, and 
food administration, the woman's committee are planning a campaign of 
women speakers, who have volunteered their services in the interest of 
women's war work. 

Heads of our departments attended many large meetings in the state, 
and explained to the women the work which the government has given 
to the woman's committee. 

Our committee has accomplished a great deal, but I feel that still 
more can be accomplished in the future if the Council of Defense organi- 
zations in the various counties would more generally cooperate with the 
county chairman of the woman's committee. 

I have visited a number of the committees, endeavoring to explain the 
work, to get into closer communication with the Woman's committee, and 
I intend to keep in close touch by repeated visits. 

Our committee very much appreciate the assistance given it by the 
Council of Defense through Mt. Voiland. 



FOOD ADMINISTRATION. 



Wichita, Kan., November 12, 1919. 
Mr. Frank W. Blackmar, Lawrence, Kan. : 

Dear Sir — I am in receipt of a letter from J. C. Mohler, dated Novem- 
ber 4, asking me for a list of county committees and general committees 
that were in effect during the food administration for the state of Kansas, 
and am enclosing a list of the food administrators of each county, with 
their addresses and date of service. You will notice that a good many 
have been relieved or new ones appointed in the place of some of the 
early appointees. 

Am also sending a list of the general officers with the state executive 
committees which met with me very often, getting their advice before 
any rules went out from my office. I have not the records of the sub- 
committees under these different officers, and I think it would be proper 
that you send a line to a few of these named in the list, asking them for 
their committees. For instance, Mr. Johnston, of the Speakers' Bureau, 
had a very complete and efficient board. Besides Mr. Johnson, I would 
suggest Mr. Kerr, Mr. Hall, Mr. McManus, and also Mrs. Mulvane and 
Mrs. VanZile. 

I trust this information is what you desire, and should there be any 
other information that I can give you I will be more than glad to send it. 
Our records have all been sent to Washington, but I believe that we can 
get any information we might desire. 

Very truly yours, W. P. Innes. 

LIST OF parties TO WHOM SERVICE CERTIFICATES ARE TO BE SENT WHEN 
CERTIFICATES ARE RECEIVED FROM WASHINGTON. 

Alex Hude, assistant food administrator, Wichita. 
Willis Kerr, state library director, Emporia. 
Otis E. Hall, director of exhibits, Manhattan. 
Mrs. D. W. Mulvane, director of women's work, Topeka. 
T. H. McManus, state merchants' representative, Newton. 
W. G. Hutson, chairman hotel and restaurant committee, Lawrence. 
W. M. G. House, chairman patriotic food show committee, Wichita. 
Edw. C. Johnson, chairman Speakers' Bureau, Manhattan. 
Mrs. Mary P. Van Zile, home economics director, Manhattan. 
Miss Grace Wilkie, secretary college volunteer worljprs, Fairmount, • 
Wichita. 

H. G. Seelye, supervisor sugar division, Wichita. 

B. O. Bowers, chief clerk, Wichita. 

Arthur R. Brasted, executive secretary, Wichita. 

M. A. Clarkson, investigation and enforcement, Winfield. 

Bliss Isely, educational director, Wichita. 

F. H. Reeves, supervisor threshing division, Wichita. 

Adelbert W. Smith, supervisor baking division, Wichita. 

STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 
(All from Wichita.) 

Howard V. Wheeler. Benjamine F. Copley. 

Thomas P. Kelso. R. 0. McCormack. 

Harry F. Fox. Fred W. Dold. 

George M. Brown. Frank A. Russell. 

Lon H. Powell. C. A. Noll. 

Chas. P. Mueller. Brayton Campbell. 

Dwight V. Oxley. Paul B. Sutoricus. 

Chas. W. Southward. John B. House. 

M. Elmer Garrison. W. Fithian Lilleston, attorney 

for Kansas. 
(134) 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 135 

KANSAS COUNTY FOOD ADMINISTRATORS. 

Name, County, Address, and Service. 
G. S. Hitter, Allen, Tola, January 30, 1918, to date. 
J. W. Bronston, Anderson, Garnett, Feb. 9, 1918, to date. 
H. B. Mize, Atchison, Atchison, April 11, 1918, to date. 
Sheffield Ingalls, Atchison, Atchison, Oct. 5, 1917, to April 11, 1918. 
T. L. Lindley, Barber, Medicine Lodge, Oct. 27, 1917, to date. 
O. W. Dawson, Barton, Great Bend, Aug. 1, 1917, to date. 
A. M. Keene, Bourbon, Fort Scott, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
Peter Berney, Brown, Horton, Jan. 29, 1918, to date. 
W. B. Archer, Brown, Hiawatha, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 29, 1918. 
H. I. French, Butler, El Dorado, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

Katherine Montgomery, Chase, Cottonwood Falls, Oct. 5, 1917, to April 17, 1918. 
Albert Rogler, Chase, Cottonwood Falls, April 17, 1918, to date. 
Lee C. Garrett, Chautauqua, Sedan, Nov. 1, 1917, to date. 
H. A. La Rue, Cherokee, Columbus, Dec. 15, 1917, to date. 
L. E. Harrison, Cheyenne, St. Francis, Feb. 6, 1918, to date. 

E. E. Kite, Cheyenne, St. Francis, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 6, 1918. 
H. R. Daigh, Clark, Ashland, Oct. 20, 1917, to date. 

F. W. Parrott, Clay, Clay Center, Jan. 28, 1918, to date. 

F. H. Myers, Clay, Clay Center, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 28, 1918. 
W. A. Baylor, Cloud, Concordia, Nov. 1, 1917, to Sept. 13, 1918. 
T. A. Sawhill, Cloud, Concordia, Sept. 13, 1918, to date. 
C. T. Sherwood, Coffey, Burlington, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
Chas. E. Allderdice, Comanche, Coldwater, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
H. M. Grandle, Crawford, Pittsburg, Feb. 19, 1918, to date. 

F. A. Curnow, Crawford, Pittsburg, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 19, 1918. 
H. Q. Banta, Decatur, Oberlin, Oct. 25, 1917, to date. 

0. A. Case, Dickinson, Abilene, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
E. S. Leland, Doniphan, Troy, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
Clarence S. Hall, Douglas, Lawrence, Oct. 8, 1917, to date. 

G. E. Wilson, Edwards, Kinslej', Feb. 5, 1918, to date. 
W. T. Wilson, Edwards, Kinsley, Feb. 5, 1918, to date. 
A. J. Kearns, Elk, Howard, Jan. 28, 1918, to date. 

H. A. Gillmore, Elk, Howard, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 28, 1918. 
John S. Bird, Ellis, Hays, Jan. 28, 1918, to date. 

E. A. Rea, Ellis, Hays, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 28, 1918. 
C. L. Danner, Ellsworth, Wilson, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

F. A. Gillespie, Finney, Garden City, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
L. J. Pettijohn, Ford, Dodge City, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
O. O. Wolf, Franklin, Ottawa, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

James Houghton, Geary, Junction City, March 13, 1918, to date. 

John Endacott, Geary, Junction City, Oct. 5, 1917, to March 13, 1918. 

A. K. Trimmer, Gove, Gove, Oct. 18, 1917, to date. 

E E. Mullaney, Graham, Hill City, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

H. W. Earlougher, Grant, New Ulysses, Oct. 1, 1917, to date. 

Mrs. Ethel Avery, Gray, Cimarron, Aug. 1, 1917, to date. 

A. N. Rochester, Greeley, Tribune, Oct. 15, 1917, to date. 

C. E. Moore, Greenwood, Eureka, Jan. 1, 1918, to date. 

Paul Rich, Hamilton, Syracuse, Oct. 1, 1917, to date. 

Robert S. McGowen, Harper, Anthony, Oct. 25, 1917, to date. 

J. C. Mack, Harvey, Newton, Feb. 1, 1918, to date. 

James S. Patrick; Haskell, Santa Fe, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

Roy Tricker, Hodgeman, Jetmore, Feb. 8, 1918, to date. 

De Vere Rafter, Jackson, Holton, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

F. W. Coleman, Jefferson, Oskaloosa, Jan. 5, 1918, to date. 

W. E. Huddleston, Jefferson, Oskaloosa, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 1, 1918. 

R. M. Cauthorn, Jewell, Mankato, Oct. 5, 1917, to April 5, 1918. 

O. N. Berry, Jewell, Jewell, April 5, 1918, to May 22, 1918. 

L. M. Jorgenson, Jewell, Jewell, May 22, 1918, to date. 

F. L. House, Johnson, Olathe, March 5, 1918, to date. 



136 History of Kansas Council of Defense. 

Name, County, Address, and Service. 
C. F. Pettijohn, Johnson, Olathe, Oct. 5, 1917, to March 5, 1918. 
G. F. Johnston, Kearny, Lakin, Nov. 1, 1917, to date. 
Chas. C. Calkin, Kingman, Kingman, Feb. 25, 1918, to date. 
W. P. Murray, Kingman, Kingman, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 25, 1918. 

A. W. McKinley, Kiowa, Greensburg, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
O. Gossard, Labette, Oswego, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

W. V. Young, Lane, Dighton, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

Wm. S. Albright, Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Jan. 24, 1918, to date. 

L. H. Wulfekuhler, Leavenworth, Leavenworth, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 24, 191$. 

E. A. McParland, Lincoln, Lincoln, Feb. 4, 1918, to date. 

Mrs. A. C. Johnson, Lincoln, Lincoln, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 4, 1918. 
Clyde E. Taylor, Linn, Pleasanton, Feb. 21, 1918, to date. 

F. W. Pollman, Linn, La Cygne, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 19, 1918. 
James B. Young, Logan, Oakley, Dec. 1, 1917, to date. 

J. F. Kenney, Lyon, Emporia, April 19, 1918, to date. 

John D. Graham, Lyon, Emporia, Oct. 5, 1917, to April 19, 1918. 

J. W. Jenkins, McPherson, McPherson, Feb. 9, 1918, to date. 

Homer Hoch, Marion, Marion, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

James Sullivan, Marshall, Marysville, June 20, to date. 

F. B. Williams, Marshall, Marysville, Jan. 7, 1918, to . 

R. M. Painter, Meade, Meade, Oct. 8, 1917, to date. 
C. F. Henson, Miami, Paola, Nov. 1, 1917, to date. 
Philip Louthan, Mitchell, Beloit, Jan. 20, 1918, to date. 

B. F. Bracken, Mitchell, Beloit, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 1. 1918. 
J. G. Adam, Montgomery, Independence, Feb. 2, 1918, to date. 
Henry Torgeson, Morris, Council Grove, Feb. 5, 1918, to date. 
Wm. C. Washburn, Morton, Elkhart, Jan. 1, 1918, to date. 
Edwin Buehler, Nemaha, Seneca, Jan. 27, 1918, to date. 

J. D. Lewis, Nemaha, Seneca, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 27, 1918. 

Wilbur P. Allen, Neosho, Chanute, Oct. 1, 1917, to date. 

H. D. Miner, Ness, Ness City, July 26, 1918, to date. 

Howard I. Floyd, Ness, Ness City, Dec. 1, 1917, to July 26, 1918. 

Frank W. Kidder, Norton, Norton, Aug. 29, 1918, to date. 

Mrs. C. B. Walker, Norton, Norton, Dec. 15, 1917, to Aug. 29, 1918. 

H. C. Sticher, Osage, Osage City, Jan. 4, 1918, to date. 

F. W. Gaunt, Osborne, Alton, Feb. 1, 1918, to Sept. 3, 1918. 
W. A. Layton, Osborne, Osborne, Sept. 3, 1918, to date. 

Miss Bertha Yoxall, Osborne, Osborne, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 1, 1918. 

Earl C. Sweet, Ottawa, Minneapolis, Nov. 1, 1917, to date. 

H. H. Reed, Pawnee, Larned, Feb. 7, 1918, to date. 

E. E. Frizell, Ottawa, Larned, Oct. 5, 1917, to Feb. 7, 1918. 

R. Frank Stinson, Phillips, Phillipsburg, March 14, 1918, to date. 

W. J. Meredith, Phillips, Phillipsburg, Oct. 5, 1917, to March, 14, 1918. 

Geo. M. Brittman, Pottawatomie, Wamego, Oct. 1, 1917, to date. 

Walter Pedigo, Pratt, Pratt, April 4, 1918, to date. 

Thad C. Carver, Pratt, Pratt, Oct. 5, 1917, to April 4, 1918. 

Wm. Correll, Rawlins, Atwood, Jan. 29, 1918, to date. 

Will S. Thompson, Reno, Hutchinson, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

G. A. Chapin, Republic, Belleville, Jan. 29, 1918, to date. 
H. C. Taylor, Rice, Lyons, Dec. 30, 1917, to date. 

L. A. Fitz, Riley, Manhattan, July, 27, 1918, to date. 

E. L. Holton, Riley, Manhattan, Feb. 1, 1918, to July 27, 1918. 

Geo. S. Murphy, Riley, Manhattan, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 19, 1918. 

H. C. Sweet, Rooks, Stockton, Jan. 28, 1918, to date. 

Henry J. Kleihege, Rush, La Crosse, Jan. 18, 1918, to date. 

John Mills, Russell, Russell, Jan. 18, 1918, to date. 

B. A. Mason, Saline, Salina, Oct. 5, 1917, to May 13, 1918. 

C. W. Lamer, Saline, Salina, May 13, 1918, to Sept. 7, 1918. 
L. C. Housel, Saline, Salina, Sept. 7, 1918, to date. 

U. G. Ruth, Scott, Scott City, June 11, 1918, to date. 



History of Kansas Council of Defense. 137 

Name, County, Address, and Service. 
Herbert J. Mott, Scott, Scott City, Jan. 15, 1918, to June 11, 1918. 
J. H. Stewart, Sedgwick, Wichita, Oct. 10, 1917, to date. 
Ray Millman, Seward, Liberal, Oct. 1, 1917, to date. 

D. W. Mulvane, Shawnee, Topeka, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 
C. L. Thompson, Sheridan, Hoxie, Oct. 15, 1917, to date. 
C. M. Millisack, Sherman, Goodland, Oct. 6, 1917, to date. 
H. W. Mackey, Smith, Smith Center, Jan. 15, 1918, to date. 

S. Schuyler, Smith, Smith Center, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 15, 1918. 

Roy B. Mater, Stafford, St. John, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

R. J. Shetler, Stanton, Johnson, April 22, 1918, to date. 

Mrs. Virginia P. Hicks, Stanton, Johnson, Oct. 5, 1917, to April 22, 1918. 

John A. Kelley, Stevens, Hugoton, Jan. 1, 1918, to date. 

Jacob Engle, Sumner, Wellington, Jan. 27, 1918, to date. 

A. E. Bowers, Sumner, Wellington, Oct. 5, 1917, to Jan. 29, 1918. 

J. T. Fitzgerald, Thomas, Colby, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

G. L. Hays, Trego, Wa Keeney, March 1, 1918, to date. 

C. H. Benson, Trego, Wa Keeney, Oct. 5, 1917, to March 1, 1918. 

J. B. Fields, Wabaunsee, Alma, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

.John Ironfield, Wallace, Sharon Springs, Oct. 28, 1917, to date. 

R. L. Rust, Washington, Washington, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

James T. Ford, Wichita, Leoti, Dec. 15, 1917, to date. 

E. D. Mikesell, Wilson, Fredonia, Oct. 5, 1917, to date. 

C. V. Shulenberger, Woodson, Yates Center, May 16, 1918, to date. 
A. D. Catlin, Woodson, Yates Center, Oct. 5, 1917, to May 16, 1918. 
Lapier Williams, Wyandotte, Kansas City, Kan., Feb. 13, 1918, to date. 



n 



